Biden to commute sentences for 1,500 ‘non-violent’ felons in largest single-day clemency action to date

President Joe Biden will commute the sentences of nearly 1,500 felonies and pardon another 39, said the White House Thursday morning saw the highest number of communions and pardons given in a single day.

Describing what could be a defining act in the final days of his presidency, Biden said a statement: “America was built on opportunity and the promise of second chances.”

continued Biden. “As president, I have the great privilege to extend compassion to people who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, to restore the opportunity for Americans to participate in everyday life and contribute to their communities, and to take action to eliminate disparities in sentencing non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug crimes.”

The move comes nearly two weeks after Biden himself announced it his son, Hunter, forgave him he was scheduled to be sentenced Thursday on federal weapons charges. He also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of federal tax fraud. Earlier, Biden rejected it using his executive powers to pardon his son.

All 1,500 felons are “non-violent” and have been placed on home detention for at least a year under the Covid-19-era CARES Act, the White House said, adding that they have shown “successful rehabilitation and strong commitment”. to make their communities safer.”

Many of these defendants would receive lesser sentences if tried under current laws, policies and practices, Biden said.

All 39 people pardoned were convicted of “non-violent crimes”. They include a decorated military veteran who volunteers at a local church, a nurse who responds to natural disasters, and an addiction counselor who works with youth.

The President Barack Obama commuted the convictions Among the 330 crimes in his last acts before he left office in 2017, then the largest series of commutations in history.

The White House said Biden is the first president to issue “categorical pardons” to people convicted of using and possessing marijuana, and to former LGBTQI+ service members convicted of their sexual orientation.

“The president at this point in his presidency has issued more sentencing reforms than any of his predecessors at the same point in his first term,” the White House said in a statement.

There could be more: Biden ended his statement by promising that he would “take further steps in the coming weeks” and that his administration would “continue to review clemency requests.”

Biden and aides have discussed the idea of ​​pardoning people President-elect Donald Trump has scorned in recent years, as he has suggested plans for payback, two sources familiar with the discussions told NBC News.

Biden will leave office on January 20, 2025, with Trump taking office.