Leonard Peltier, the longest-held political prisoner in the United States, had his life sentence commuted by outgoing President Joe Biden on January 20, just hours before Donald Trump took office. At the age of 80 and suffering from multiple severe health issues due to nearly five decades of incarceration, Peltier is now set to serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement.
Peltier's case has become emblematic of the struggle for Indigenous rights in the U.S. since his conviction for the 1975 murders of two FBI agents during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Despite his claims of innocence and assertions of self-defense, Peltier has steadfastly maintained his conviction was rooted in judicial misconduct and prejudice against Native Americans.
“It’s finally over – I’m going home… I want to show the world I’m a good person with a good heart. I want to help the people, just like my grandmother taught me,” Peltier stated after the commutation, according to the NDN Collective, which has been pivotal in advocating for his release.
Supporters celebrated Biden’s decision as long overdue. The commutation was viewed not only as mercy for Peltier but also as recognition of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities throughout U.S. history. Nick Tilsen, founder of the NDN Collective, emphasized the significance of Peltier's commutation as part of Indigenous liberation, saying, “Let Leonard’s freedom be a reminder...Our resistance will never stop.”
By the time Peltier was released, he had endured serious health problems, including COVID-19, diabetes, and strokes. His health deteriorated significantly during his imprisonment, and human rights advocates argued this merited compassionate release. Biden justified the commutation by citing these health concerns, aimed at allowing Peltier to live his remaining years with family.
Historically, Peltier's conviction has been criticized for its flawed legal processes, which included allegations of coerced testimony and suppression of exculpatory evidence by the prosecution. His trial, taking place against the backdrop of political unrest and activism by the American Indian Movement (AIM), drew considerable scrutiny and sparked debates about systemic racism and injustice within the U.S. judicial system.
Despite international calls for leniency, Peltier's case drew opposition from law enforcement, including FBI officials who labeled the commutation as unjust. FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed vehement opposition in letters to the White House, referring to Peltier as “a ruthless murderer” and dismissing concerns about his trial.
Former FBI agents and organizations, including the FBI Agents Association, condemned Biden’s last-minute decision as “a slap in the face” to law enforcement and the families of the deceased agents. They argued it contradicted the evidence of Peltier's guilt.
Conversely, many tribal leaders and activists highlighted the broader historical injustices suffered by Indigenous communities as foundational to Peltier’s situation. Fawn Sharp, past president of the National Congress of American Indians, commented on the significance of Biden’s commutation, stating, “This isn’t just about Leonard Peltier. This is about healing for all Native Americans.”
Many prominent figures, including Nelson Mandela and various world leaders, have spoken out for Peltier’s release over the years, indicating the case’s global resonance and the persistent call for justice. Each plea for clemency has underscored the perceived injustices within his trial and the treatment of Indigenous activists.
Born on September 12, 1944, Peltier became involved with AIM during the 1970s, participating vigorously to defend Native American rights. His activism coincided with significant protests and violent confrontations sparked by the plight of Indigenous people across America.
The landmark standoff at Wounded Knee in 1973, during which AIM occupied the site of the 1890 massacre, was indicative of the mounting frustrations among Indigenous activists, including Peltier, against federal authorities and systemic oppression. The subsequent backlash against AIM members, including Peltier, was marked by violence orchestrated by FBI-backed militias.
“I am only guilty of being Indian,” Peltier has often said, reflecting the sentiment of many who have echoed the narrative of oppression and wrongful conviction faced by Indigenous peoples. His case encapsulates the broader struggles against colonialism and disrespect for treaty rights, serving as both personal and collective symbolism for many Native Americans.
While Leonard Peltier won’t receive the full pardon supporters sought, his commutation is seen as an important victory for the movement advocating for Indigenous rights and recognition of historical injustices within America’s legal framework. The commutation’s significance will resonate not only as personal reprieve for Peltier but as part of the continuing fight for justice and healing for Indigenous communities nationwide.
Peltier’s release is anticipated with mixed emotions; many celebrate this step, yet the larger acknowledgment and rectification of injustices against Indigenous peoples remain prominent focal points for continued activism.