Biden is totally out of control.
As President Biden’s term draws to a close, reports indicate that he is contemplating commuting the death sentences of nearly all, if not all, of the 40 individuals currently on federal death row. This move could complicate plans from President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to accelerate the execution process once he takes office in January.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Attorney General Merrick Garland has recommended that Biden commute the sentences of all but a few inmates, with exceptions possibly being made for high-profile cases. Among those who may not receive commutation are Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bomber who killed three and wounded hundreds more; Robert Bowers, responsible for the massacre of 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh; and Dylann Roof, who killed nine worshippers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
However, there are several individuals on death row who could see their sentences changed to life in prison. These include a former Marine convicted of murdering two young girls, a Las Vegas man who kidnapped and killed a 12-year-old girl, a Chicago doctor who killed a patient to prevent her from testifying in a fraud investigation, and two men involved in a violent kidnapping-for-ransom plot that led to the deaths of five immigrants.
Biden’s move to possibly commute these sentences comes after a recent meeting with Pope Francis, who has been a vocal opponent of the death penalty. Following their discussion, the Pope urged for mercy on behalf of those facing execution in the U.S. Reports suggest that Biden may announce his decision before Christmas.
Biden has been a staunch opponent of capital punishment throughout his political career, becoming the first sitting president to oppose the death penalty. His 2020 campaign pledge included a commitment to end the federal death penalty and encourage states to follow suit. Though Biden initially considered issuing an executive order to halt executions, his administration instead imposed a moratorium on federal executions in 2021, and no federal executions have occurred during his presidency.
For many conservatives, the potential commutation of these sentences raises significant concerns about justice and accountability. While some may see this as an opportunity for the president to showcase mercy, Republicans argue that it’s crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the most heinous criminals face the consequences of their actions. The debate over capital punishment will likely continue to be a central issue as Biden’s time in office comes to an end and the incoming administration sets its own course.