Biden Grants Clemency To Nearly 2,500 People In One Day

The White House referred to Friday, January 17, as the largest single-day act of clemency in US history when President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 people found guilty of non-violent drug offenses.

Biden characterized the punishments of those whose sentences were commuted as “disproportionately long sentences” in comparison to the sentences they would have received under the existing sentencing codes.

Biden emphasized that the decision was an important step in “righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families.” He further stated, “With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in US history.” He also suggested that he may issue additional commutations or pardons before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on Monday.

In December, Biden shortened the sentences of roughly 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others, including his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing jail time for firearms and tax offenses.

Biden is also reportedly considering offering blanket pardons for some of his allies and former officials, citing fears about “retribution” as previously threatened by Trump. In addition, Biden commuted the execution sentences of 37 of the 40 convicts on federal death row. This judgment excluded three people: a 2013 Boston Marathon bomber, a shooter who massacred 11 Jewish worshippers in 2018, and a white supremacist responsible for the 2015 attack at a Black church.

Federal executions were put on hold under Biden’s administration, but Trump has indicated that he intends to resume them.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli