Biden Commutes Life Sentence of Indigenous Activist Convicted of Killing Two FBI Agents

Jan 20, 2025, 08:13 PM

In the final moments of his presidency, President Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in 1975 of killing FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Peltier, now 80 years old, has served nearly 50 years in prison and will transition to home confinement, where he will reportedly be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. The decision has sparked outrage among FBI agents and the FBI Agents Association, with former FBI Director Christopher Wray having previously called Peltier a "remorseless killer" and urged Biden not to grant clemency. Over 120 tribal leaders had advocated for Peltier's release, emphasizing concerns over his health and the fairness of his trial. Despite pleas from supporters for a full pardon, the White House declined to issue one, opting instead for commutation.