President Biden is granting pardon to 37 out of 40 federal prisoners facing death rowCommuting his sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
three prisoners Those who did not receive pardon are convicted murderers Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingThe Gunman in Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, and surviving boston marathon bomber,
This announcement will certainly spark partisan debate, even though the President's pardon and pardon power is broad, constitutionally enshrined, and irrevocable.
The Justice Department put a moratorium on executions into 2021 so it can review policies and procedures.
Trump's communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement that those whose sentences were commuted “are among the worst murderers in the world,” adding, “This despicable decision by Joe Biden is a disgrace to the victims, their families, and It's a slap.” Loved ones.” President-elect Trump has said he would resume capital punishment and perhaps try to expand the crimes that qualify for the death penalty. Truth Social On Tuesday, Trump said that as soon as he comes into office, He will “direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.”
Mr Biden alluded to Trump's stated intention in a statement announcing the sentence reductions, saying, “In good conscience, I cannot step back and let a new administration resume those executions Which I had stopped.”
He also said, “These deficiencies are consistent with the moratorium my Administration has imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.”
“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, mourn for the victims of their despicable acts, and express my sorrow for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss.
“But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”
Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, praised Mr. Biden's move in a statement, saying he ,“Takes a historic and bold step forward in addressing the failed death penalty in the United States – bringing us closer to once again outlawing this barbaric practice.”
Romero said, “President Biden has taken the most significant steps taken by any president in our history to address the immoral and unconstitutional harms of the death penalty.” “This will undoubtedly be one of the fundamental achievements of the Biden presidency,” he said.
Contributed to this report.