FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 23, 2024

Media Contact: Michael Czaczkes, media@vera.org

New York, NY – Today, President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row to instead serve life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Insha Rahman, vice president of advocacy and partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice and director of Vera Action, issued the following statement:

"The Vera Institute of Justice commends President Biden for his courageous and principled decision to commute the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row to life without parole. It is the most consequential step taken by any president of this country to end the death penalty—a flawed and draconian relic of the United States legal system that many Americans, especially younger voters across the political spectrum, no longer support.

"The purpose of a criminal sentence is to deliver accountability, but the death penalty offers only punishment and retribution. Survivors of crime were among the supporters of today’s commutations, including retired Police Officer Donnie Oliverio, whose partner, Officer Bryan Hurst, was killed by one of the men sentenced to federal death row. In expressing his support for President Biden’s commutation, he said, “Putting to death the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace. The president has done what is right here, and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.

"Evidence shows that the death penalty, at both the federal and state levels, is prone to errors, perpetuates racial bias, and drains public resources—and neither deters crime nor makes our communities safer. President Biden has set a powerful example that governors can and should follow to consider commuting the sentences of people on state-level death rows to life without parole. In his final weeks in office, and with nearly 10,000 clemency applicants awaiting a decision, we urge the president to continue using his pardon powers to deliver safety, accountability, and justice."

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About Vera Institute of Justice:

The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.

About Vera Action:

Vera Action is an independent 501(c)(4) organization and the advocacy partner of the Vera Institute of Justice. At Vera Action, we harness the power of advocacy, lobbying, and political strategy to end mass incarceration, protect immigrants’ rights, restore dignity to people behind bars, and build safe and thriving communities.