Joe Biden uses last days as president to become largest pardoner of criminals in US history
Share:
Outgoing President Joe Biden has announced he is commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 drug offenders - making him the biggest forgiver of criminals in US history. The US leader is using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deems too harsh. Today's round of clemency gives Biden the US presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued.
The Democrat said he is seeking to undo "disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice". He added: "Today's clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.
"This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.". The White House did not immediately release the names of those receiving commutations. Biden said more pardons could yet be coming, promising to use the time before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday to "continue to review additional commutations and pardons.".
Today’s action follows the president’s commutations last month of the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the pardoning of 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes.
