Biden commutes life sentence of Leonard Peltier, gunman who executed two FBI agents in South Dakota

American Indian Movement activist denied responsibility for shootings, became left-wing cause

President Joe Biden commuted the prison sentence of Leonard Peltier on Monday in his final hours in office, setting free the American Indian activist who was convicted of murdering two FBI agents in South Dakota.

The decision to free Peltier from prison comes after decades of pressure — Peltier became an international cause célèbres among left-wing groups calling for his release.

Now 80, Peltier was convicted in 1977 for the murders of FBI Special Agents Ronald Williams and Jack Coler. He is incarcerated at a maximum-security prison in Florida.

Biden said Peltier will serve out the remainder of his life sentence in home confinement.

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