The White House has issued an executive order emphasizing the importance of capital punishment as a tool for deterring and punishing heinous crimes. The order criticizes politicians and judges who oppose capital punishment, accusing them of subverting the laws of the United States.
According to the document, "Capital punishment is an essential tool for deterring and punishing those who would commit the most heinous crimes and acts of lethal violence against American citizens." It further states that capital punishment has historically been relied upon as "the ultimate deterrent and only proper punishment for the vilest crimes."
The order criticizes President Biden's administration for issuing a moratorium on federal executions in 2021 and commuting sentences for certain federal death row inmates in December 2024. It argues that these actions defy national laws protecting victims by applying capital punishment to barbaric acts.
The policy outlined in the order aims to ensure respect for laws authorizing capital punishment. It directs the Attorney General to pursue the death penalty in severe cases, including those involving law enforcement officers' murder or crimes committed by illegal aliens. The Attorney General is also tasked with evaluating imprisonment conditions for offenders whose sentences were commuted by President Biden.
Additionally, efforts will be made to preserve state-level capital punishment by ensuring sufficient supplies of drugs needed for lethal injections. The Attorney General is instructed to seek overruling Supreme Court precedents limiting government authority on imposing capital punishment.
In terms of community safety, the order prioritizes public safety and prosecution of violent crime, encouraging coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Finally, it clarifies that nothing in this order should impair existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against any part of the U.S. government.
