Senator Chris Coons, a close ally of President Joe Biden, has recently advocated for the commutation of federal death penalties. In a statement made on Sunday, Coons revealed that he has advised President Biden to contemplate converting the sentences of individuals on federal death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Coons emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by these individuals, stating that they should never be released from prison. The Wall Street Journal reported last Friday that President Biden is weighing the option of commuting the sentences of most, if not all, of the 40 men currently on federal death row as his term nears its conclusion.
The list of individuals awaiting federal execution includes notorious cases such as the Boston bomber, as well as individuals convicted of murder and hate crimes in the Tree of Life synagogue and Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church attacks.
Senator Coons highlighted concerns regarding the fairness and due process of the death penalty system in the United States. He underscored the importance of considering factors such as racial justice and the message it sends both domestically and internationally about American values.
When asked about potential exceptions to the commutation, Coons suggested that President Biden should evaluate each case individually to ensure a fair and just decision-making process.
