WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of non-violent drug crimes, issuing pardons to 11 men and women and commuting the sentences of five other people in the latest use of his clemency power to address racial disparities in the justice system.
Biden said in a statement Wednesday that April is Second Chance Month and that many of the individuals getting clemency had received “disproportionately longer” sentences than they would have under current law.
The Democratic president is campaigning for reelection in November and is grappling with how to boost support from communities of color that heavily supported him over Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 election. The two rivals are headed for a likely rematch in November.
“Like my other clemency actions, these pardons and commutations reflect my overarching commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety,” Biden said.
Ben Stiller, 58, says he was 'freaked out' by the horrible reviews for his rare box
Russian authorities announced mass evacuation for flood
Meta won't renew commercial deals with Australian news media
Manuel Rocha, a former US ambassador, sentenced to 15 years for serving as secret agent for Cuba
Bears unveil $5 billion plan for lakefront stadium
Guilty plea by leader of polygamous sect near the Arizona
1 dead after shuttle bus crashes at a Honolulu cruise ship terminal
US — Chinese military planners gear up for new kind of warfare
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
Louisiana lawmakers quietly advance two controversial bills as severe weather hits the state
Election 2024: Puerto Rico Republicans award Trump all 23 delegates
US border arrests fall in March, bucking seasonal trends amid increased enforcement in Mexico