Washington D.C., Dec 23, (V7N) – In a landmark decision, U.S. President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates on Monday, reducing their punishment to life imprisonment without parole. The move aligns with his administration's moratorium on federal executions, except in cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass killings.

The commutations come as Biden nears the end of his term and amid growing pressure from death penalty opponents. With this decision, only three inmates remain on federal death row: Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof, and Pittsburgh synagogue attacker Robert Bowers.

"Guided by Conscience"

Biden emphasized his opposition to the death penalty in a statement, acknowledging the gravity of the crimes committed."Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss. But guided by my conscience and my experience...I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level."

The 37 commuted cases include individuals convicted of violent crimes, such as murders during bank robberies and killings of fellow inmates or prison guards.

Capital Punishment Under Biden and Trump

Biden's administration has maintained a moratorium on federal executions since 2021, consistent with his campaign pledge to end capital punishment at the federal level.

In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump reinstated federal executions during his term, overseeing 13 executions between July 2020 and January 2021, the most by any U.S. president in over a century.

Trump has signaled plans to expand the use of the death penalty if reelected, targeting drug traffickers, human traffickers, and migrants involved in violent crimes.

State-Level Execution Trends

While 23 U.S. states have abolished the death penalty and six others have moratoriums, executions persist at the state level. In 2024 alone, 25 state-level executions have taken place.

With this latest action, Biden has taken a bold step toward reshaping federal policy on capital punishment, leaving behind a divided legacy on the controversial issue.

END/WSD/RH/