Seven Texans facing federal execution given clemency, four others given state pardons

President Joe Biden announced on Monday he would commute the sentences of seven Texas inmates scheduled for execution. Hours later, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott disclosed he had pardoned four individuals for lower- level offenses.

Biden’s act affects 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row, the Associated Press reported. At least five of the Texans scheduled for federal execution stabbed and killed fellow inmates.

“I’ve dedicated my career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system,” Biden said in a statement. “These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.”