President Joe Biden announced an unprecedented act of clemency Thursday, pardoning 39 individuals and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others. The sweeping measure, focused on nonviolent offenders and those under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, sets a new record for clemency in a single day.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.”
The pardons include a military veteran, a nurse who spearheaded natural disaster responses, and an addiction counselor. All had been convicted of nonviolent crimes but were recognized for significant contributions to their communities. The 1,500 individuals whose sentences were commuted had been serving extended home confinement under the CARES Act, a 2020 law enacted during the pandemic to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in federal prisons.
“These commutation recipients have shown they deserve a second chance,” Biden said.
The White House described the move as the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The president also hinted at additional clemency actions in the coming weeks, saying, “My Administration will continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law.”
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on Biden to expand the use of his pardon powers, particularly following his controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Advocates have also urged the president to grant clemency to individuals on death row and those who could face prosecution under the incoming Trump administration.
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