Biden commutes Leonard Peltier’s life sentence in final act as president
WASHINGTON, D.C.
In his final act as president of the United States, Joe Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist who has spent nearly 50 years in prison.
“I am issuing pardons to Gerald G. Lundergan and Ernest William Cromartie. I am also commuting the life sentence imposed on Leonard Peltier so that he serves the remainder of his sentence in home confinement,” Biden said in a statement before leaving office.
Peltier, now 80 years old, was convicted in 1977 for the murder of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He has maintained his innocence since his conviction. His case has been controversial, with supporters claiming he was wrongfully convicted due to misconduct by law enforcement and the courts, while critics, including the FBI, argue that justice was served.
The events of June 26, 1975, remain a source of debate. The agents were on the reservation looking for robbery suspects when a firefight broke out. Both were wounded by gunfire and later killed at close range. Peltier and three others were charged. Two were acquitted, and charges were dropped against a third. Peltier was extradited from Canada, tried, and convicted.
Calls for Peltier’s clemency have grown over the years, supported by human rights organizations, Native American leaders, and public figures. Amnesty International and others have pointed to issues in his trial, including withheld evidence. However, the FBI and families of the agents have consistently opposed his release.
Peltier’s daughter, Kathy, has been vocal in advocating for her father’s release, often sharing how his imprisonment impacted their family. She described her limited time with him over the years and her hope that he would be allowed to return home in his final years.
“We just wanted people to really look at the evidence and the trial. My father’s story is about more than him—it’s about fairness,” she said in an interview.
Kathy wrote on her social media page, simply, “Oh my he has been released,” on Monday.
President Biden’s decision came after months of review and consultation with legal experts and tribal leaders. White House sources said Biden considered the humanitarian aspects of Peltier’s case, including his age and declining health.
The FBI Agents Association criticized the decision, saying it undermines the memory of the slain agents. In a statement, the group said, “This decision dishonors the sacrifice of two men who gave their lives in service to their country.”
Supporters of Peltier, including Native American leaders, welcomed the decision. They view it as a step toward addressing historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities.
Peltier will now serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement, surrounded by his family and community.