Former President Biden's decision to commute the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, convicted in the 1975 murders of two FBI special agents, has ignited controversy and condemnation. Peltier, a long-time activist, was found guilty of killing agents Ronald Williams and Jack Coler during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

This commutation, granted shortly before Biden left office, follows unsuccessful parole bids and denied clemency requests from previous administrations. While Peltier garnered support from some prominent Democrats, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) expressed strong disapproval. FBIAA President Natalie Bara criticized the decision, calling it a "cruel betrayal" to the agents' families and a "slap in the face" to law enforcement.

Outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray had also urged Biden against commuting Peltier's sentence, emphasizing Peltier's lack of remorse and the extensive judicial review that upheld his conviction. Wray argued that granting clemency would be an "affront to the rule of law." Despite this, Biden proceeded with the commutation, releasing the 80-year-old Peltier, who is reportedly in poor health.

This commutation is the latest in a series of pardons and commutations by Biden, including for family members and figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley. The decision has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as part of a pattern of leniency towards convicted murderers. Former FBI agent Nicole Parker, who herself experienced the loss of colleagues in the line of duty, expressed her dismay, calling the pardon an "abandonment of justice."

The 1975 incident began when agents Williams and Coler were searching for armed robbery suspects on the reservation. They encountered Peltier in a vehicle, unaware of his outstanding warrant for attempted murder. A shootout ensued, leaving both agents wounded before they were fatally shot at close range, allegedly with Peltier's AR-15. Peltier's conviction remains contested by supporters, who maintain his innocence. While three other men were initially charged in connection with the agents' deaths, Peltier was the only one convicted. Following his release, Peltier is expected to be placed under house arrest.