Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) is calling on President Biden to extend clemency to death row inmates following the recent pardon issued to his son, Hunter. During a CNN panel discussion on Monday, Bowman stated, “Don’t stop at Hunter Biden. Pardon the 40 people who are on death row right now to get them off of death row, number one.”
He further emphasized the need for broader clemency, urging Biden to pardon “the 3,000 people who are in federal jail for trumped-up marijuana charges” so they can reintegrate into their communities and contribute economically. This appeal comes from the New York Democrat, who lost his reelection bid in the primary.
Bowman appeals to Biden for justice reform through clemency initiatives
Several lawmakers, including Reps. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), have joined in urging Biden to continue granting clemency to those convicted of nonviolent drug offenses.
In October 2022, the president granted clemency to individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession, later expanding this forgiveness in December 2023. In a letter sent last month, the lawmakers expressed, “Now is the time to use your clemency authority to rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences given by judges.”
They added, “The grant of pardons and commutations and the restoration of rights will undoubtedly send a powerful message across the country in support of fundamental fairness and furthering meaningful criminal justice reform.”
Biden has consistently maintained that he would remain uninvolved in his son’s legal matters, asserting that the prosecutions against Hunter were politically motivated. The White House defended the pardon by highlighting President-elect Trump’s promises of retribution if he returns to office.
Trump, who has suggested that he might grant clemency to rioters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, criticized Biden’s pardon. He questioned on Truth Social, “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!”
