President Joe Biden plans to commute the sentences of about 1,500 criminals and pardon 39 others, the White House announced early Thursday, the highest number of commutations and pardons ever granted in a single day. It is said to be the largest.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement, laying out what could be the defining act toward the end of his presidency.
Mr. Biden continued. “As President, I will extend mercy to those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, restore opportunities for Americans to participate in everyday life and contribute to their communities, and take steps to eliminate sentencing disparities, especially for nonviolent offenders. These are people who have been convicted of drug crimes. ”
The move comes nearly two weeks after Biden announced he had pardoned his son Hunter, who was scheduled to be sentenced Thursday on federal firearms charges. He also pleaded guilty to another federal tax evasion charge. Earlier, Biden had ruled out using executive power to pardon his son.
The White House announced that all 1,500 offenders were “nonviolent” and would be held in home confinement for at least a year under the COVID-19 CARES Act, while also demonstrating “successful rehabilitation and strong commitment.” “It shows,” he added. To make our community safer. ”
Biden said many of these defendants would receive lighter sentences if tried under today’s laws, policies and practices.
All 39 people pardoned were convicted of “nonviolent crimes.” They include decorated veterans who volunteer at local churches, nurses who lead responses to natural disasters, and addiction counselors who work with youth.
President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 330 criminals in one of his last acts before leaving office in 2017, at the time the largest single commutation in history.
The White House said Biden was the first president to grant “definitive pardons” to people convicted of marijuana use and possession and to former LGBTQI+ military personnel convicted of crimes based on their sexual orientation. He said there is.
“The President has handed down more commutations at this point in his term than any president at the same point in his recent predecessor’s first term,” a White House statement said.
Something more could happen in the future. Biden ended his statement by promising that he would take “further steps in the coming weeks” and that his administration would “continue to consider the clemency petition.”
Biden and his aides are discussing the idea of granting preemptive pardons to people who President-elect Donald Trump has disparaged in recent years by hinting at plans for retaliation, two sources familiar with the discussions told NBC News. told.
Mr. Biden will step down from office on January 20, 2025, following the inauguration of President Trump.
