Biden has made some controversial decisions.
A leading progressive Democrat in the House has praised President Biden’s recent decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal inmates, a move that is being hailed by some as a bold act of compassion. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) called the death penalty a “racist, flawed, and fundamentally unjust punishment,” claiming it disproportionately targets Black and Brown communities and does not contribute to public safety. She argued that Biden’s clemency decision addresses the “deep racial disparities” in the criminal justice system, and she framed it as a message of redemption, humanity, and decency.
In her statement, Pressley described the commutation as “historic” and “groundbreaking,” suggesting that the decision would save lives and highlight the need for justice reform. However, this stance has ignited criticism, particularly from conservatives who believe the death penalty is a crucial tool for ensuring justice, particularly in cases involving heinous crimes.
Biden’s commutation order impacts nearly all of the 40 individuals currently on federal death row, with only three remaining: Dylann Roof, who murdered nine churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina; Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who carried out the Boston Marathon bombing; and Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. While Biden spared these criminals, the decision has drawn backlash for freeing violent offenders who committed gruesome acts.
Among those whose sentences were commuted are individuals convicted of horrific crimes, including Thomas Sanders, who kidnapped and murdered a young girl, and Jorge Avila-Torrez, who killed two young girls and a Naval officer. These decisions have fueled accusations from Republicans that the administration is putting the rights of criminals above those of victims.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a staunch critic of Biden’s policies, condemned the move, accusing Democrats of siding with “depraved criminals” instead of standing up for victims and public safety. Cotton also pointed out that Biden’s decision does not reflect a consistent anti-death penalty stance, since he excluded the three most politically charged cases.
In stark contrast to Biden’s actions, former President Trump, who is eyeing a return to office, has proposed expanding the death penalty to include drug traffickers, child rapists, and illegal immigrants who kill U.S. citizens. Trump’s administration reinstated federal executions after a 17-year hiatus, carrying out 13 executions in 2020 alone. For many conservatives, this tough-on-crime stance is a crucial element in the fight to restore order and justice in America.
While Biden’s commutations reflect a deeply progressive view of justice, they also highlight the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans on issues related to law and order. For conservatives, the death penalty remains a vital deterrent for the most heinous crimes, and Biden’s actions are seen as undermining the very principles of justice and deterrence.