Outgoing US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he commuted the sentences of about 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others. has granted what the White House described as the largest one-day pardon in the nation’s history.
“America was built on possibility and the promise of other possibilities,” Biden said in a statement announcing the move. “As president, I have the great privilege of granting mercy to those who have shown remorse and reparation.”
With days in office, lame-duck presidents often issue pardons, which apply only to federal crimes.
The White House said about 1,500 people given the minimum sentences — “the most ever in one day” — had been serving at least a year at home.
“These transplant recipients, who were placed under house arrest during the COVID pandemic, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and demonstrated that they deserve a second chance,” Biden said.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which had urged Biden to take such action, praised the move in a statement.
“We are pleased that President Biden has allowed people to stay with their families and communities, where they belong,” said Cynthia W. Roseberry, director of policy and government affairs in the ACLU’s Justice Division.
The mass pardon was announced a week after the president pardoned his son Hunter, something he had previously promised not to do, prompting outrage from Republican opponents and many Democratic allies. was born
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to tax evasion in September and faces up to 17 years in prison. He was convicted of separate federal gun charges, for which he faced up to 25 years in prison.
The president’s controversial pardon of his son followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, who also eased family and well-connected allies out the door.
For example, Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger, who had served time in prison for drug charges, on his last day in office, while Donald Trump pardoned his son-in-law’s wealthy father, Charles Kushner. .
Among those receiving relief from the president on Thursday was “a decorated military veteran and pilot who spends much of his time helping his fellow church members,” the White House said.
A nurse “who has led emergency responses to several natural disasters” and an addiction counselor “who volunteers their time” were also selected to assist.
“Together, these actions build on the president’s record of criminal justice reform to help reunite families, strengthen communities and reintegrate individuals into society,” the White House said.
“The president has made more sentencing changes at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at this point in his first term.”