1. United States
2. Letter

The death penalty is an inhumane, discriminatory and irreversible punishment that perpetuates a cycle of violence. Over a third of those awaiting federal execution are Black despite making up only 10% of the US population, evidence of the systemic racism plaguing our justice system. Some were convicted by all-white juries riddled with bias, while others have intellectual disabilities or severe mental illness that should preclude them from execution. Carrying out more death sentences, especially under a Trump administration with a horrific human rights record, would be a grave injustice. I implore you to use your clemency powers to commute the sentences of all 40 federal death row prisoners to life in prison before leaving office. Sparing their lives upholds human dignity and is a crucial step towards abolishing this barbaric, discriminatory practice. The families of victims like Rev. Sharon Risher have spoken out against more executions, recognizing they breed further trauma rather than healing. Commuting these sentences is the moral choice to cement your legacy of valuing human rights over vengeful killing.