Biden Grants Clemency to Nearly 1,500 People in Record-Setting Act of Mercy

President Joe Biden is granting clemency to nearly 1,500 people and pardoning 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes, in an action the White House described as the biggest single-day act of mercy in modern history.

"America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances," Biden said in a statement. He said the power of the presidency gives him the privilege of extending mercy to people who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, restoring their opportunity to take part in daily life and contribute to their communities. He also pointed to the goal of reducing sentencing disparities for nonviolent offenders, particularly those convicted of drug offenses.

Most of the commutations apply to people who are already out of prison. They were moved to home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic as a way to limit the spread of the virus and, according to the president, have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. The people being pardoned were incarcerated for nonviolent crimes, including drug offenses, and Biden said they have turned their lives around.

The two forms of clemency work differently. A pardon erases a conviction, while a commutation leaves the guilty verdict in place but shortens the punishment.

The administration has not released names. Among those receiving pardons, however, are a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counselor and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences and a decorated military veteran. Biden described the group as parents, veterans, health care professionals, teachers, advocates and engaged community members, many of whom have drawn on their experience in the criminal justice system to inspire others.

The announcement arrives nearly two weeks after Biden said he would pardon his son Hunter, who had been convicted of gun possession and income tax evasion. That decision drew criticism from both parties, since Biden had repeatedly promised not to interfere in the judicial process.

It also comes as pressure builds for further action before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Dozens of lawmakers have urged a pardon for Steven Donziger, an environmental attorney jailed on a contempt charge stemming from his work representing Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against Chevron. Other advocates have asked Biden to convert the sentences of federal Death Row prisoners to life without parole, largely because Trump supports the death penalty and is expected to reverse Biden's pause on federal executions.

Biden had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He has also issued broad pardons covering people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, as well as former U.S. service members convicted under a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex.

"I will take more steps in the weeks ahead," Biden said. He added that his administration will keep reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.