Amid Growing Concerns, Biden Faces Pressure for Clemency Actions
Washington, D.C. – As the clock continues to tick down on his presidency, President Joe Biden is facing increasing pressure from various advocacy groups and individuals to utilize his clemency powers for those on federal death row. With only a limited number of days left in his term, the urgency of the situation is palpable as advocates warn that silence could lead to more executions.
The Grim Legacy of Recent Executions
In 2020, as the nation was gearing up for Thanksgiving celebrations, the executions of 13 individuals took place within the federal death chamber in Terre Haute, Indiana. This surge of executions significantly exceeded the number carried out in the previous ten presidential administrations combined. Many of those executed had complex backgrounds, often marked by severe childhood trauma, intellectual disabilities, or inadequate legal representation.
Some of the men on death row, who were painfully aware of the risks they faced during the final months of the Trump administration, had expressed cautious optimism that President Trump might show “an uncharacteristic display of humanity” by sparing some lives. Unfortunately, hope proved futile, and every individual facing execution met the same grim fate.
Calls for Action
As Biden has taken office, many are urging him not to repeat what they perceive as mistakes made by previous administrations. With the number of people on federal death row remaining at 40, over half have formally requested to have their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Catholic Mobilizing Network, are pushing for a blanket commutation for all individuals still facing execution.
“We’re dealing with a very different world this time,” said Ruth Friedman, a seasoned death penalty attorney. Many organizations highlighting the issue often cite systemic problems, including racial bias and the failure of the death penalty to deter crime as reasons for clemency action. Public support for the death penalty has been steadily declining, revealing a shifting sentiment among Americans.
The Risk of Inaction
Biden approaches this situation with a commitment he expressed during his presidential campaign of 2020 when he pledged to end the federal death penalty. Proponents are urging him to not only uphold his promises but also to act swiftly. There is a looming fear that former President Trump could pursue a new round of executions if he gains access to the Oval Office again, emphasizing the importance of decisive action during the remaining days of Biden’s term.
The emotional weight of these issues often rests heavily on the families of those on death row, many of whom have lived through years of uncertainty. The tragic case of Orlando Hall, who was executed in November 2020, underscores the emotional and operational chaos surrounding capital punishment. Hall’s story, rooted in childhood trauma and legal inadequacies, raises serious questions about the application of the death penalty.
Personal Histories Break Through The Numbers
Hall’s partner, Shanyce Matthews, recalls the mix of hope and despair felt when they heard about President Obama’s election. Despite Hall’s horrific crime in 1994 involving the abduction of a young girl, his story was marked by tragedy and transformation. Hailing from a background rife with domestic violence and substance abuse, he changed during his time on death row, showing a capacity for remorse and personal growth.
Matthews witnessed Hall’s execution and shared the emotional toll it took not only on him but also on those who loved him. “They said, ‘Is there anything we can do for you?’ And I said, ‘You can let him go,’” Matthews recounted, illustrating the absurdity of the situation as prison officials maintained normalcy in the face of an impending death.
The Need for Quick Decisions
As the clock runs down on Biden’s presidency and advocacy groups ramp up efforts for action, there are fears that delay may lead to irrevocable decisions for the individuals awaiting execution. “I think we have to start yelling about it,” Matthews expressed, highlighting the urgency of advocacy in the face of execution dates looming over the heads of those on death row.
As President Biden stands in the Rose Garden for his annual turkey pardon ceremony, the symbolism of his actions resonates on multiple levels. Advocates are hoping for similar compassion and humanity to extend beyond the ceremonial, pushing for real change in the lives facing what many deem a dire end. The call for clemency is not just about numbers; it’s about people, lives, and the chance for growth and redemption.
