Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist, was released from prison after former President Joe Biden commuted his two life sentences. Peltier, who has always maintained his innocence in the killing of two FBI agents 50 years ago, will serve his remaining days on home confinement in North Dakota, where he is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. He is in declining health and will receive medical attention for various ailments. The Federal Bureau of Prisons is in the process of determining the rules for his home confinement which may include restrictions on travel, drug testing, and electronic monitoring.
Peltier’s case has garnered international support over the years from human rights groups, religious leaders, and celebrities. However, law enforcement groups have condemned Biden’s decision to release him. The FBI has long accused Peltier of being responsible for the deaths of the two agents, but at his trial, no witnesses identified him as the shooter and crucial evidence was withheld from his defense lawyers. The case is seen as a miscarriage of justice by some, including former U.S. attorney James Reynolds, who advocated for Peltier’s release.
Peltier, who has expressed a desire to clear his name in a new trial, will reunite with his oldest son, Chauncey, in North Dakota. Chauncey expressed gratitude for those who worked for his father’s release and thanked Biden for correcting an injustice that has deeply impacted their family. Peltier’s supporters hope that he will be able to reconnect with his home community and culture after decades of incarceration.
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