Bipartisan Letter Urges President Biden to Grant Clemency to Leonard Peltier

For immediate release: October 9, 2023

Washington, D.C. — For the first time in history, a bipartisan letter of support has been sent to President Joe Biden in support of clemency or the compassionate release of Leonard Peltier. The letter, led by Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), includes signatures from 33 members of Congress across the political spectrum. Signatures include Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Dan Kildee (D-MI) Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) , Ted Lieu (D-CA). They were joined by three U.S. Senators, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI).

This letter reflects united support for Leonard Peltier’s release following the Free Leonard Peltier: 79th Birthday Action held in Washington, D.C. by NDN Collective and Amnesty International that garnered national media attention.

Read the full letter below:

President Biden has the extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation at this essential moment in history as we approach the 2024 elections. For the past 48 years of Leonard Peltier’s unjust imprisonment, organizers, activists, allies, and leaders have fought for his freedom – the time is now for President Biden to release Leonard Peltier.

“As Members of Congress, we sign this letter with a deep commitment to the crucial role we play in upholding justice for all Americans – and to also hold our government accountable when we see a case of injustice, as demonstrated by the long incarceration of Leonard Peltier. We stand with the Tribal Nations of the United States, Indigenous voices worldwide, and leading voices on human rights and criminal justice around the globe in support of Mr. Peltier’s release.”

Interested in learning more about the Leonard Peltier case?

Watch and share LANDBACK for the People Podcast S1 Ep. 6 “Free Leonard Peltier.”

Read Indigenous Leaders and Allies Arrested at White House Rally in Support of Clemency For Native American Activist Leonard Peltier

Read “I am Still Here”: Leonard Peltier’s Letter to Supporters

Take Action Now

Call The White House: (202) 456-1111

Email The White House: whitehouse.gov/contact

Write your Representatives and Senators: ndnco.cc/FindYourRep

Sign and Share: Native Organizers Alliance’s Petition: ndnco.cc/signtofreeleonard

Write to Leonard Peltier:

LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132

USP COLEMAN I

P.O. BOX 1033

COLEMAN, FL 33521

Call your Member of Congress: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Sign the Tribal Leader Letter HERE.

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NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms.