The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) issued a statement condemning former President Joe Biden for pushing to commute the sentence of Leonard Peltier, a Native American who murdered two FBI agents decades ago.

FBIAA — represents More than 14,000 current and former FBI agents characterized Biden’s decision to allow Peltier to serve out the remainder of his sentence in home confinement as a scathing attack on the FBI agency and its staff. . Pelletier was convicted in 1977. 1975 murder case Photo of FBI agents Jack Kohler and Ronald Williams on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He tried to get out of prison multiple times until Biden commuted his sentence in the final days of his presidency.

“The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) recently decided to commute the sentence of convicted police officer killer Leonard Pelletier for the brutal murders of FBI Special Agents Jack Kohler and Ronald Williams. I am furious at the decision made by then-President Biden. This shameful last-minute act is despicable and lacks accountability, as Mr. Pelletier is released from prison even though he remains guilty. It is a cruel betrayal of the fallen agent’s family and colleagues. , is a slap in the face to law enforcement,” the FBIAA said in a statement. statement. “Agents Kohler and Williams gave their lives in service to this country, and their families continue to bear the burden of their sacrifices. The loss of these heroes, just as they did in 1975, Even today, the F.B.I. It is deeply felt within the family. Leonard Pelletier has never expressed any remorse for his actions. Special Agents Koller and Williams were robbed of their families and precious time with their loved ones. They should not have been given the mercy that Leonard Pelletier cruelly denied to the Kohler and Williams families.” (Related: Biden pardons five family members of President Trump just before being sworn in)

Former President Joe Biden, in his final minutes as president, commuted the sentence of an indigenous activist who killed two FBI agents, according to the White House. pic.twitter.com/raFYAT4lWC

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 20, 2025

“The tremendous sacrifices made by Agents Kohler and Williams should be respected and not taken lightly. The FBIAA remains steadfast in our commitment to preserving their legacy and protecting the public. , we look forward to working with new leaders in Washington to honor our heroes and leave cop killers where they belong: in prison,” the statement concludes.

Pelletier executed the two agents at point-blank range after a gunfight. He was arrested, tried, convicted, and fled the scene before being imprisoned. Pelletier later managed to escape from prison, but was eventually arrested again.

in him statement In announcing the commutation of Pelletier’s sentence, Biden cited Pelletier’s advanced age, long term in prison, and declining health as reasons for commuting Pelletier’s sentence. During his imprisonment, Pelletier evolved into something of a celebrity. some activist They believe he was treated unfairly by the justice system and served time as a political prisoner.

Outgoing FBI Director Chris Wray said in a June 2024 letter to Patricia K. Kushwa, then acting chair of the U.S. Parole Board, that Pelletier did not deserve parole. Mr. Ray also said that Mr. Pelletier’s beliefs and status had been reviewed.

“I write on behalf of the entire FBI family to express our firm opposition to Leonard Pelletier’s recent parole application. brutally murdered and then began a violent flight from justice,” Ray wrote in a letter to Kushwa. “His crimes included escaping from federal custody after his conviction, during which he and his crew fired on prison staff. Over the years, Pelletier has never admitted responsibility. He has never shown any remorse or remorse. He is completely unsuitable for parole. Releasing Mr. Peltier now would ‘seriously undermine the seriousness of his crimes’ and ‘enhance his contempt for the law.’ It will be.”

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