Outgoing President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he had commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others convicted of non-violent crimes. According to the White House, this marks the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history.
“I am pardoning 39 people who have demonstrated successful rehabilitation,” Biden stated, adding that he was also “commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals serving long prison terms.”
The White House clarified that those granted commutations had been serving their sentences at home for at least one year.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden remarked. “As President, I am honoured to extend mercy to those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation.”
This announcement comes amidst criticism of Biden’s decision earlier this month to issue an official pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing in two criminal cases. The move drew scrutiny after Biden had previously assured he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters.
