commutation

Biden’s Bold Move: Nearly All Federal Death Sentences Commuted

Published

21 hours ago

12/23/2024

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President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House Rose Garden Nov. 7. Biden on Monday commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

In a significant move on Monday, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 death row inmates, citing a moral imperative driving his decision. In stark contrast, he upheld the death sentences for three individuals implicated in hate-motivated mass shootings.

Biden, who has maintained a moratorium on federal executions during his presidency, converted the death sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He stated that his career has been devoted to reducing violent crime while fostering a fair justice system.

“I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for families who have endured unimaginable loss,” Biden remarked. He emphasized his strong opposition to the death penalty, stressing that he cannot allow a subsequent administration to carry out executions that he halted.

The three individuals remaining on death row include Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, convicted for the Boston Marathon bombing; Dylann Roof, responsible for the 2015 massacre at Emanuel AME Church; and Robert Bowers, sentenced for the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting.

Biden’s recent commutations follow a prior decision made on December 12, where he reduced sentences for 1,500 individuals in home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside granting 39 pardons for nonviolent offenses.

The commutations drew criticism from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, particularly regarding the inclusion of a judge convicted in the notorious “Cash for Kids” scandal. Advocates for ending the death penalty and some House Democrats had urged Biden to take action before the possibility of former President Donald Trump resuming office, particularly given Trump’s history of expediting executions.

A spokesperson for Trump’s transition criticized the commutations, describing them as a concerning decision that undermines the victims’ families and expressing a commitment to restoring the rule of law upon Trump’s return to the presidency.

The following names of death row inmates had their sentences commuted on Monday:

Shannon Wayne Agofsky

Billie Jerome Allen

Aquilia Marcivicci Barnette

Brandon Leon Basham

Anthony George Battle

Meier Jason Brown

Carlos David Caro

Wesley Paul Coonce, Jr.

Brandon Michael Council

Christopher Emory Cramer

Len Davis