Biden Pressed to Commute Federal Death Sentences Amid Warnings of Trump's 'Killing Spree'

Dec 9, 2024, 03:00 PM

President Joe Biden is facing mounting pressure from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and organizations to commute the sentences of individuals on federal death row before leaving office. Biden, who campaigned on opposing the death penalty, has not fulfilled his promise to end federal death penalty cases during his term. With President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office and reportedly looking to expand the use of the death penalty, advocates are urging Biden to act swiftly. Groups like Amnesty International, the ACLU, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, along with over 130 organizations, have formally appealed to Biden to use his clemency powers. The calls emphasize the risks of racial injustice, the potential for wrongful executions, and the inequities within the federal death penalty system. Lawmakers have also highlighted specific cases, including elderly and chronically ill inmates, individuals with unjust sentencing disparities, and women punished for crimes committed under duress from abusers. Advocates warn of a potential 'killing spree' under Trump if no action is taken.