President Biden’s decision to commute the death sentence of convicted cop killer Daryl Lawrence has sparked outrage among law enforcement and the victim’s family. In a statement, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) chapter representing officers in Columbus, Ohio, condemned the decision as an “inexcusable affront” to the memory of slain officer Bryan Hurst.
Despite the jury’s decision to impose the death sentence, Biden has decided to spare Lawrence’s life, along with 36 others on federal death row. This includes individuals convicted of murdering children and elderly women, yet Biden insists on putting their needs above the safety and justice of the American people.
FOP president Brian Steel expressed his disappointment in Biden’s decision, saying, “We owe it to Bryan and to all officers who put their lives on the line every day to continue advocating for justice.” Hurst’s widow, Marissa Gibson, also weighed in, calling the commutation a “complete dismissal and undermining of the federal justice system.”
As if this wasn’t enough, Biden has also chosen to commute the sentences of narcotic traffickers and fraudsters, as well as grant a blanket pardon to his own son Hunter, covering all potential criminal activity dating back to 2014. This lenient approach to crime further undermines the FOP’s efforts to uphold justice and protect the public.
Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 Condemns Commutation of Columbus Cop Killers Federal Death Sentence pic.twitter.com/WhquchlZ0z
— FOP Capital City Lodge 9 (@capcityfop) December 23, 2024
It is clear that Biden’s actions favor criminals over victims and law enforcement. This is a stark contrast to his predecessor, President Trump, who implemented tough law and order policies aimed at keeping communities safe. Under Trump, decisions were made with the best interest of the American people in mind, not the criminals who have chosen to disregard the law.
But this is not the end of Biden’s soft stance on crime. He has only spared three convicted killers on federal death row from his commutations, including the Boston Marathon bomber and mass-murderers responsible for shootings at a synagogue and a supermarket. This decision sends a dangerous message that heinous crimes will be met with leniency under the Biden administration.
It is important that we continue to speak out against Biden’s weak approach to crime and demand that he prioritizes justice for victims and their families. We cannot allow criminals to be given a free pass while their victims are left to suffer. The American people deserve leaders who will put their safety and well-being above all else.