Native American activist Leonard Peltier has been released from a Florida prison after nearly 50 years, following a commutation granted by former President Joe Biden. The 80-year-old walked out of the federal detention center in Coleman, Florida, on Tuesday morning, marking a significant moment in a long and controversial legal battle.
Peltier, who has become an emblem of Indigenous rights since his conviction for murder in 1977, did not speak as he exited the facility. He was picked up by an SUV and later issued a statement through the NDN Collective, an activist organization. “Today I am finally free! They may have imprisoned me but they never took my spirit!” Peltier expressed, looking forward to reconnecting with friends, family, and his community. A homecoming celebration is planned for him at the Turtle Mountain Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota.
Peltier’s case has drawn international attention and support from various activists and public figures, including actor Robert Redford and organizations like Amnesty International. His conviction stems from the 1975 shooting deaths of two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, during a confrontation at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. While Peltier admits to firing his weapon in self-defense, he has consistently maintained that he did not kill the agents, asserting that he was not near them when they were shot.
Critics of Peltier’s trial argue that it was riddled with flaws, including suppressed evidence and witness coercion. A key witness later recanted her testimony, claiming she had been pressured into implicating Peltier. His supporters contend that the lengthy incarceration reflects systemic issues within the justice system, particularly regarding how Native American activists have been treated.
Peltier’s health has been a concern in recent years, as he suffers from diabetes and heart issues, and is partially blind. His family has previously called for compassionate release due to his deteriorating condition, fearing he would not survive to see future parole opportunities. Despite this, his release has been met with opposition from law enforcement groups, including the FBI, which has characterized him as a "remorseless killer."
The decision to commute Peltier’s sentence came during the final hours of Biden’s presidency, amid pressure from various quarters, including members of his administration and international figures like the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis. While Peltier’s sentence has been commuted, it is important to note that he will continue to live under house arrest.
As Peltier begins this new chapter of his life, his supporters view his release as a glimmer of hope and a step toward acknowledging the injustices he faced. "It shows you should never give up hope," said Ray St Clair, a member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. “We can take this repairing the damage that was done. This is a start.”