President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates has sparked praise from Rep. Ayanna Pressley and controversy among victims’ families.
At a Glance
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley praises Biden’s commutation of 37 federal death row sentences
- Pressley argues the death penalty is racist and disproportionately affects marginalized communities
- Biden’s action excludes three inmates involved in terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder
- Victims’ families express anger and confusion over the commutations
- Pressley urges Biden to further use his clemency power for other incarcerated individuals
Pressley Hails Biden’s “Historic” Decision
Representative Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat from Massachusetts and member of the “Squad,” has lauded President Joe Biden’s recent decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life imprisonment without parole. Pressley, a vocal advocate against capital punishment, views this action as a significant step in addressing racial disparities within the criminal justice system.
The congresswoman has been a staunch supporter of Biden’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system, particularly regarding the use of the death penalty. She has consistently argued that capital punishment is unfairly applied and disproportionately affects low-income, Black, and marginalized communities.
By commuting the sentences of 37 people on death row, @POTUS is demonstrating the type of moral and compassionate leadership this moment demands. pic.twitter.com/X8t42BT3Hj
— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) December 23, 2024
The Controversy Surrounding Biden’s Decision
While Pressley and other death penalty abolitionists celebrate this move, the decision has not been without controversy. Notably, Biden did not commute the sentences of three federal inmates: Robert Bowers, Dylan Roof, and Dzokhar Tsarnaev, due to their involvement in terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. This selective approach has raised questions about the consistency of the administration’s stance on capital punishment.
“Wherever you fall on the issue of the death penalty in terms of whether it’s fair or not, what is undeniable is it has not been fairly applied,” Ayanna Pressley told GBH News.
The commutations have also sparked outrage among some victims’ families. Alex Snell, brother of Amanda Snell, who was murdered by Jorge Avila-Torrez (one of the inmates whose sentence was commuted), expressed his anger and confusion. “What justification does [Biden] have for doing this? I want to have him explain to us, to our faces, why he chose to give them mercy when they didn’t give other people mercy,” Snell said.
Pressley’s Call for Further Action
Despite praising Biden’s decision, Pressley believes more can be done.
Yes – MORE!
She is urging the President to use his clemency power more extensively, advocating for the release of incarcerated individuals who pose no threat to public safety. This includes the disabled, elderly, chronically ill, and those incarcerated for cannabis convictions or sentencing disparities.
“The death penalty is a racist, flawed, and fundamentally unjust punishment that has no place in any society,” Rep. Ayanna Pressley said.
Pressley’s push for further action aligns with her longstanding efforts to reform the criminal justice system.
These people are insane…
