Former President Donald Trump pledged Tuesday to “vigorously” enforce the death penalty following President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of 37 death row inmates.
“As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!”
Biden announced Monday that he had commuted the death sentences of 37 individuals convicted of brutal murders, reclassifying their sentences to life without parole. He explained his decision by stating he could not “stand back and let a new administration resume executions” halted under his presidency.
“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,” Biden said in a statement. “But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”
Among those whose sentences were commuted was Jorge Avila-Torrez, who was convicted of murdering two young girls and a 20-year-old female naval officer. Kathleen Zellner, who represented the father of one of the girls, criticized Biden’s decision as “recklessly carried out” and politically motivated against the incoming administration.
Another inmate, Anthony Battle, who murdered a prison guard while already serving a life sentence for killing his wife, also had his sentence commuted.
Victims’ families and friends condemned Biden’s decision, accusing him of ignoring their suffering.
“Joe Biden’s decision is a clear gross abuse of power,” wrote Heather Turner, whose mother was killed by an inmate on death row. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.”
Trump also criticized the decision, calling it senseless and harmful to victims’ families. “Relatives and friends are further devastated,” he said on Truth Social. “They can’t believe this is happening!”
