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.
Carli Lloyd turns diplomat and takes a US message to kids in Greece
Judge dismisses lawsuits filed against rapper Drake over deadly Astroworld concert
April 8 solar eclipse: What you need to know before you watch
The show goes on for Paramount with ‘Gladiator II,’ a new Damien Chazelle movie and more
REBECCA ENGLISH: Portrait of cricket
'Sasquatch Sunset' review: Should you watch this movie about a family of Bigfoots?
Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Book Review: Hampton Sides revisits Captain James Cook, a divisive figure in the South Pacific
UN calls for probe into mass graves at Shifa and Nasser hospitals in Gaza
'Monkey Man' review: Dev Patel's film is a political allegory bathed in blood
Tennessee would criminalize helping minors get abortions under bill heading to governor
Stock market today: Wall Street falls sharply to close out its worst week since October