President Joe Biden has announced a series of pardons and a commutation, citing various reasons for his decisions. Gerald G. Lundergan and Ernest William Cromartie have been granted pardons, while Leonard Peltier's life sentence has been commuted to home confinement.
Biden addressed the ongoing political challenges faced by his family, stating, "My family has been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me—the worst kind of partisan politics." He emphasized his belief in the rule of law but expressed concern over politically motivated investigations affecting individuals' lives.
The President exercised his constitutional power to pardon James B. Biden, Sara Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owens, John T. Owens, and Francis W. Biden. He clarified that these pardons should not be seen as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing or an admission of guilt.
Gerald G. Lundergan received a pardon due to his age and health issues after demonstrating remorse and contributing positively post-release from prison. Ernest William Cromartie's pardon recognizes his dedication to public service and community involvement since leaving prison.
Leonard Peltier's commutation allows him to serve the remainder of his sentence at home due to severe health conditions after nearly half a century in prison. Peltier's case has garnered support from various groups advocating for clemency based on his age, health, and contributions to the Native American community.
