Biden grants clemency to nearly 1500 people, continues push for criminal justice reform

President Joe Biden has granted clemency to nearly 1500 Americans in a historic move, marking the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history. The action includes commuting the sentences of about 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and pardoning 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes.

“Today, I’m pardoning 39 people with non-violent crimes who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and I’m commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others – many of whom would have received lower sentences today,” President Biden wrote in a post on X.

He added, “America was built on second chances. That’s what these pardons and commutations represent.”

Today, I’m pardoning 39 people with non-violent crimes who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and I’m commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others – many of whom would have received lower sentences today.

America was built on second chances. That's what these… pic.twitter.com/OigPcN8qkJ

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 12, 2024

At this point in his presidency, Biden has issued a greater number of sentence commutations than any US president of the recent past in their first term’s same point of time. Moreover, he is the first president to issue blanket pardons for individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession and use and for former LGBTQI+ service members convicted of conduct related to their sexual orientation.

Among those receiving relief are individuals who have demonstrated successful rehabilitation and a strong commitment to their communities. This includes a decorated military veteran and pilot who helps fellow church members, a nurse who led emergency response efforts during natural disasters and played a key role in the COVID-19 vaccination efforts and a dedicated addiction counselor who, without pay, spends his time helping young people make better choices, find their purpose and avoid destructive behaviors and gang involvement.

Those who received commutations today were at home, serving their sentences under the COVID-era CARES Act for at least a year. They had reunited with their loved ones and secured employment and had advanced their education, demonstrating their commitment to rehabilitation.

The 39 individuals pardoned today were found guilty of non-violent offenses, including drug-related, and have transformed their lives for the better. They are advocates, engaged members of their communities, health care professionals, parents, teachers and veterans, and their experiences within the criminal justice system have enabled them to inspire and support others.

“While today’s announcement marks important progress, there is more to come,” says the pardon fact sheet issued by the White House Briefing Room. “President Biden will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver criminal justice reform in a manner that advances equity and justice, promotes public safety, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances.”

Featured image is an extracted photo from a Public Domain Image by the Biden White House (Source: https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1816298630141096339).