President Biden on Thursday announced pardons for 39 people and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others, with a focus on those who were under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sweeping act of clemency came as Biden has been under pressure to pardon individuals after he granted one for his son, Hunter. The president in a statement said he would take more steps in the weeks ahead before he leaves office.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”
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