President Joe Biden has announced the commutation of sentences for 37 individuals on federal death row, changing them to life imprisonment without parole. This decision aligns with the moratorium his administration has placed on federal executions, except in cases involving terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.
Biden emphasized his longstanding commitment to reducing violent crime and promoting a fair justice system. He stated, "Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss."
The President's decision is influenced by his experiences as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President. He expressed a strong conviction against the use of the death penalty at the federal level. "In good conscience," he remarked, "I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted."
This move reflects Biden's ongoing efforts to reshape federal criminal justice policies during his tenure.