Commutation for Leonard Peltier

Text from the White House Statement:

The President is commuting the life sentence imposed on Leonard Peltier so that he serves the remainder of his sentence in home confinement. He is now 80 years old, suffers from severe health ailments, and has spent the majority of his life (nearly half a century) in prison. This commutation will enable Mr. Peltier to spend his remaining days in home confinement but will not pardon him for his underlying crimes.

Mr. Peltier is a Native American activist who is currently serving life in prison for killing two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and escaping from federal prison. Tribal Nations, Nobel Peace laureates, former law enforcement officials (including the former U.S. Attorney whose office oversaw Mr. Peltier’s prosecution and appeal), dozens of lawmakers, and human rights organizations strongly support granting Mr. Peltier clemency, citing his advanced age, illnesses, his close ties to and leadership in the Native American community, and the substantial length of time he has already spent in prison.

— "On Background from the White House", in: 20 Jan 2025 Statement from Whitehouse.gov]

Text from the official document:

I HEREBY COMMUTE the remainder of the total sentence of imprisonment imposed upon LEONARD PELTIER, Reg. No. 89637-132, to be served in its entirety on home confinement, to take effect on February 18, 2025. I leave intact all other components of the sentence.

— "First paragraph from Commutation", in: Commutation posted on justice.gov]