In a landmark decision aimed at reshaping federal justice policies, President Joe Biden announced the commutation of 37 federal death row sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

The announcement, made on December 23, 2024, aligns with the administration’s moratorium on federal executions, except in cases involving terrorism and hate-driven mass murder.

“Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole,” President Biden stated. “These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my Administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.”

The president reaffirmed his condemnation of violent crimes, acknowledging the pain endured by victims and their families.

“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” he said.

Biden cited his extensive career in public service—ranging from his tenure as a public defender to his roles as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President—as shaping his stance on the death penalty. He underscored his moral conviction that the federal government must move away from capital punishment.

“Guided by my conscience and my experience, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted,” the president added.

This decision marks a significant shift in federal criminal justice policy, reflecting the administration’s broader goals of creating a more equitable justice system while honoring the memory of victims and supporting their families.