Bondi Moves to Reverse Biden’s Death Row Commutations, Accuses Him of Undermining Justice

Newly confirmed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking steps to reverse former President Joe Biden’s last-minute decision to commute the sentences of 37 death row inmates.

In a directive to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bondi accused Biden of undermining the justice system and subverting the rule of law by removing these individuals from federal death row.

In a letter sent Wednesday to DOJ employees, Bondi made it clear that she intends to pursue the death penalty for these inmates through state-level prosecutions. She argued that Biden’s actions deprived the victims’ families of the justice they had long sought.

“The commutations also robbed the victims' families of the justice promised—and fought hard to achieve—by the Department of Justice,” Bondi wrote. “The Department of Justice is directed to immediately commence the following actions to achieve justice for the victims' families of the 37 commuted murderers.”

As a first step, Bondi ordered the DOJ to provide a public forum where victims’ families can express how the commutations have affected them. She described this as an important step in restoring trust in the justice system and ensuring accountability.

Following this, Bondi stated that U.S. attorney’s offices will be directed to pursue death sentences against the commuted inmates by utilizing state law rather than federal statutes.

She emphasized that this process would only proceed after consultation with the victims’ families and other relevant parties, and only in cases where it is legally appropriate.

“The Capital Case Section shall assist the United States Attorney’s Offices in implementing this directive,” Bondi wrote.

In addition, she instructed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ensure that the conditions of confinement for the 37 inmates reflect the severity of their crimes, their criminal histories, and any other relevant security concerns.

Biden’s decision in late December to remove these inmates from federal death row and reclassify their sentences to life without parole was framed by his administration as part of a broader criminal justice reform effort.

The White House at the time defended the move by stating that it would prevent the incoming Trump administration from carrying out executions that would not align with modern policy and practice.

“The President’s criminal justice record has transformed individual lives and positively impacted communities, especially historically marginalized communities,” the White House said in a statement.

“In the coming weeks, the President will take additional steps to provide meaningful second chances and continue to review additional pardons and commutations.”

However, Biden did not commute all federal death row sentences. Three notorious mass murderers—Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof, Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Pittsburgh synagogue shooter Robert Bowers—remained on death row.

Bondi, a former prosecutor and Florida state attorney general, has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to eliminating political bias from the DOJ.

She has stated that her primary goal as attorney general is to ensure equal application of the law, free from political influence.

“America will have one tier of justice for all,” she said after assuming office.

Her swift response to Biden’s commutations signals a broader effort to reinforce strict sentencing measures and reassert the federal government’s authority over capital punishment.

Bondi’s move has already sparked debate, with critics arguing that it undermines the president’s clemency powers, while supporters see it as a necessary correction to what they view as excessive leniency.

As the DOJ moves forward with Bondi’s directives, legal experts anticipate significant challenges in reinstating death sentences at the state level.

Some of the affected inmates were convicted under federal statutes that may complicate efforts to seek capital punishment through state courts.

Despite potential legal hurdles, Bondi appears determined to follow through with her plan. Her focus on involving victims’ families and ensuring that the commuted inmates face the full weight of the law aligns with her broader stance on criminal justice.

This case also highlights the ongoing political divide over the use of the death penalty in the United States. While Biden has sought to move away from capital punishment, Bondi and other conservatives have pushed to uphold it, particularly in cases involving violent crimes.

With Bondi at the helm of the DOJ, the administration’s approach to criminal justice is expected to shift sharply.

Her efforts to reverse Biden’s commutations may set a precedent for how future administrations handle presidential clemency decisions, particularly in cases involving the death penalty.

As the legal battle over these commutations unfolds, the fate of the 37 inmates remains uncertain. Bondi’s directive suggests that, at the very least, they will face stricter prison conditions and increased scrutiny under the new administration.

Whether she will succeed in reinstating their death sentences, however, remains to be seen.