President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal inmates has ignited controversy and uproar across the nation, especially among communities victimized by violent crime. Announced just two days before Christmas, this clemency action has been framed by the president as part of his longstanding moral opposition to the death penalty.
The White House officially declared on December 23, 2022, Biden’s decision to spare these lives, changing their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Only three individuals—Dylann Roof, who was convicted for the racially motivated murder of nine Black parishioners at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel AME Church, the Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Robert Bowers, responsible for the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting—did not receive clemency.
Justifying his actions, Biden reiterated his long-held belief against capital punishment, stating, “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts... guided by my conscience and my experience... we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.” This statement echoed throughout media outlets, especially as it came during the festive season, leading to accusations from critics who believed the announcement was strategically timed to minimize public backlash.
The commutations included several individuals with heinous records. One such case was Thomas Sanders, who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering 12-year-old Lexis Roberts after killing her mother, Suellen. Sanders, who had been sentenced to death by jury, became one of the most discussed names among those who would now serve life without parole, frustrating many who felt justice had been thwarted.
Another notorious figure, Kaboni Savage, who orchestrated the firebombing of the home of a federal witness—resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including four children—also saw his sentence commuted. Savage's drug empire and violent acts earned him his place on death row, and his commutation has raised alarm bells among victims’ families who mourn their lost children.
Adding to the list of those affected, there is Jorge Alvira-Torrez, labeled as “a serial killer” by one judge, known for multiple murders and violent sexual assaults. Detractors have pointed out the contradiction between Biden’s intent to demonstrate mercy via these acts of clemency and the brutal realities of the crimes committed by those spared execution.
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana was vocal about the issue, posting on social media details of the inmates freed by Biden’s clemency sprees, drawing attention to the “unforgivable” nature of their actions. Critics contend this decision hurts the families of victims, perpetuating their suffering by allowing the perpetrators to live, effectively saying, “Merely existing became their punishment.”
Response to Biden's announcement cascaded across political lines, including condemnations from President-elect Donald Trump, who called the commutation as “Makes no sense.” He vowed to restore the death penalty once taking office, indicating his administration would actively pursue capital punishment as part of their justice strategy. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers,” Trump stated, aggravation evident in his tone.
Most alarmingly, many who oppose Biden's measures argue he disregarded the gravity of these criminals’ offenses, which they labeled as “horrific and unforgivable.” The commutation list reportedly includes individuals responsible for heinous acts of violence—including the killing of law enforcement, mass shootings, and premeditated attacks on families—casting doubt on the efficacy of the president's justification.
Biden’s administration had already announced a federal execution moratorium, beginning July 2021, intending to reassess the protocols and procedures surrounding capital punishment. Critics suggest the recent pardons represent not only his personal beliefs but also weaken the government's deterrent powers against violent crime.
Despite opposition from some factions, the administration maintains their focus on reform within the justice system rather than retribution, believing this policy aligns with broader criminal justice reforms. This division highlights significant disparities between individuals’ perceptions of justice and the government's approach.
For many families affected by the violent acts of those whose sentences were commuted, Biden’s decision serves as another painful reminder of their losses. “It feels like the victims never get rest,” expressed one family member. “While we fight for justice, the system seems to protect the perpetrators.” With pushback mounting, Biden’s commutation spree is likely to fuel political tensions as the nation debates the future of the death penalty.
Finally, Biden's decision has inadvertently thrown him to the forefront of what could be one of the most contentious political issues leading up to the next elections. Progressive advocates perceive it as lighting the way toward ending capital punishment entirely, whereas conservative critics interpret it as undermining justice for families still grieving their lost loved ones.
While many grapple with the moral ramifications of Biden’s actions, the immediate aftermath is evident: once again, justice for victims and their families becomes entangled with political discourse, leaving behind both anger and calls for immediate reform.
For Biden, this marks another complex chapter of his presidency. The discourse surrounding his motives, the reception of his decisions, and the political repercussions will undoubtedly define the strategy of those who hope to sway public opinion as he inches closer to the end of his term.
