Story perspectives

Biden Commutes Death Sentences, Sparks Controversy and Outrage

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 22, 2025, U.S. President Biden commuted nearly all federal death-row sentences, sparing 37, including Brandon Council for a 2017 South Carolina bank robbery.
Heather Turner, Ms. Major’s daughter, said the decision ruined Christmas and that justice may come through Council’s execution.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order encouraging new charges against inmates, while prosecutors in South Carolina (SC), Louisiana (LA), and Florida (FL) began filing charges.

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Story summary

On December 22, 2025, U.S. President Biden commuted nearly all federal death-row sentences, sparing 37, including Brandon Council for a 2017 South Carolina bank robbery.
Heather Turner, Ms. Major’s daughter, said the decision ruined Christmas and that justice may come through Council’s execution.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order encouraging new charges against inmates, while prosecutors in South Carolina (SC), Louisiana (LA), and Florida (FL) began filing charges.