President Biden is commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoning another 39 convicted of nonviolent crimes, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.
The White House announced the president’s record-breaking action on Thursday, nearly two weeks after Biden revealed he would issue a pardon for his son Hunter, who had been convicted of gun possession and income tax evasion.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement.
“As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”
The sweeping series of commutations affect mostly people already freed from prison, specifically, those placed in home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic who “have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities.” The prisoners pardoned, meanwhile, were behind bars for “non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, and have turned their lives around.”
“These individuals are parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates, and engaged members of their communities,” Biden said. “Many of them have used their experiences in the criminal justice system to inspire and encourage others.”
The president has already previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He’s also broadly pardoned those convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, as well as former U.S. service members convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex. He’s recently been under pressure to grant more clemencies before he leaves office, especially amid backlash sparked by the pardon he issued for his son.
With News Wire Services
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