*In the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and pardoned 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.
Biden noted that the commutations emphasize a commitment to justice reform, public safety, and providing second chances. Many of those receiving commutations would face lighter sentences under current laws. The pardons, primarily for drug offenses, include individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, such as a military veteran, a nurse who supported COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and an addiction counselor.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”
He added, “These commutation recipients, who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance.”
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The clemency comes after Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter, who faced charges related to gun and tax offenses.
According to The Associated Press, Biden is considering issuing preemptive pardons to individuals involved in investigating Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, anticipating they may face retaliation if Trump returns to office. Advocacy groups are also urging the president to extend pardons to individuals on federal death row.
“I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” Biden said. “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.”
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