Official announcements from the White House or Department of Justice

Biden Grants Largest Clemency in US History: 1,500 Sentences Commuted, 39 Pardons for Non-Violent Crimes

Dec 12, 2024, 10:41 AM

President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals and granted pardons to 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes in the largest single-day act of clemency in modern US history. The commutations are for those who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and have served at least one year on home confinement. This action comes just weeks before the end of Biden's presidency. Those pardoned have demonstrated successful rehabilitation and commitment to their communities, including a nurse who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who has worked as an addiction and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a decorated military veteran. Biden stated, "Today, I am pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer. I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences."