Commutation

With minutes left to his presidency, Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of murdering two FBI agents. pic.twitter.com/wVUNkSpiZQ

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 20, 2025

I am beyond words about the commutation of Leonard Peltier. His release from prison signifies a measure of justice that has long evaded so many Native Americans for so many decades. I am grateful that Leonard can now go home to his family. I applaud President Biden for this…

— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) January 20, 2025

… means to Indian Country.

FBI Director Wray: “Peltier is a remorseless killer who brutally murdered two of our own before embarking on a violent flight from justice. … He is wholly unfit for parole. … Peltier is right where he belongs, serving consecutive life sentences for his cold-blooded murder.” https://t.co/QcubrKg9ww pic.twitter.com/zZCuEAHRjR

— Jerry Dunleavy IV 🇺🇸 (@JerryDunleavy) January 20, 2025

FBI Agents Association Statement on Commutation of Leonard Peltier:

“The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) is outraged by then-President Biden’s decision to commute the sentence of Leonard Peltier, a convicted cop killer responsible for the brutal murders of FBI Special Agents…

— FBI Agents Association (@FBIAgentsAssoc) January 20, 2025

… Jack Coler and Ronald Williams. This last-second, disgraceful act by then-President Biden, which does not change Peltier’s guilt but does release him from prison, is cowardly and lacks accountability. It is a cruel betrayal to the families and colleagues of these fallen Agents and is a slap in the face of law enforcement.

Agents Coler and Williams gave their lives in service to this nation, and their families continue to bear the heavy burden of that sacrifice. The loss of these heroes is felt as deeply today within the FBI family as it was in 1975. Leonard Peltier has never expressed remorse for his actions. Special Agents Coler and Williams were stolen from their families, robbed of the chance to share precious time and milestones with their loved ones. Leonard Peltier should not have been granted a mercy he so cruelly denied to the Coler and Williams families.

The profound sacrifice made by Agents Coler and Williams should be honored, not diminished. FBIAA remains steadfast in our commitment to preserving their legacies, and we look forward to working with new leadership in Washington to protect the public, honor our heroes and leave cop killers where they belong — in prison.”