President Biden Releases List of Pardons and Commutations
The White House released a list of 39 individuals who have been pardoned by President Biden, as well as a list of nearly 1,500 whose sentences he has commuted. The move sets a new single-day record for clemency under any president.
According to the list, all 39 pardons were given to non-violent offenders, many of whom had been convicted of drug crimes. The list provided extensive details on why each of the pardons was deserved, citing examples of community engagement, professional and academic accomplishments.
The list of commutations included individuals who had been placed under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and had successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. Those included a decorated military veteran and pilot, a nurse who helped lead vaccination efforts during the pandemic, and an addiction counselor who works with young people to help them avoid drugs.
Biden’s move comes after he pardoned his son, Hunter, earlier this month. The pardon had put pressure on Biden from others in the Democratic Party to issue additional pardons. The President has stated that he plans to take more steps during the next few weeks before he exits the Oval Office.
“My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.