Biden considers commuting the sentences of federal death row inmates: report
SUMMARY
President Biden is reportedly considering commuting the sentences of most federal death row inmates, potentially announcing the decision by Christmas. Attorney General Merrick Garland has recommended sparing most inmates while exempting a few, such as Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Tree of Life synagogue shooter Robert Bowers, and Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof.This would represent a stark departure from established federal practices, despite Biden’s 2020 campaign pledge to eliminate the federal death penalty. His administration has already imposed a moratorium on executions, and this action could nullify the verdicts of juries in capital cases.The decision, reportedly influenced by a conversation with Pope Francis, would disrupt President-elect Trump’s plans to resume executions. Critics view this as an ideological move prioritizing Biden’s personal beliefs over justice for victims.
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