Youngkin, Miyares slam Biden for granting clemency to ‘cop killers’

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed their strong disapproval of President Biden’s decision to grant clemency to the “Waverly Two,” individuals who admitted to being responsible for the 1998 murder of Sussex County police officer Allen Gibson.

Youngkin condemned Biden’s actions, stating that he was “beyond outraged and in utter disbelief” at the announcement. He emphasized the impact on Officer Gibson’s family, calling it a “heartbreaking blow” to those who continue to mourn his sacrifice. Youngkin’s office revealed that Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson admitted to their involvement in Gibson’s murder in Sussex County Circuit Court.

The Governor highlighted that former President Obama had previously declined to grant clemency to Claiborne and Richardson, making Biden’s decision even more shocking. Both men are now set to be released in July, causing further distress to Officer Gibson’s loved ones.

Attorney General Miyares echoed Youngkin’s sentiments, expressing his outrage at Biden’s decision to grant clemency to individuals involved in the killing of a police officer. He emphasized the impact on Officer Gibson’s daughter, Crissana, who was forced to relive the trauma of her father’s death due to the decision.

Miyares shared a statement from Crissana Gibson, who expressed her outrage and disappointment at the clemency granted by the Biden administration. She denounced the decision as a “huge miscarriage of justice” and expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Virginia Attorney General’s office in keeping the murderers behind bars.

The Attorney General provided a detailed account of the events leading to Officer Gibson’s murder, emphasizing the brutal nature of the crime committed by Claiborne and Richardson. Despite being acquitted of murder and firearms charges by a federal jury, both men are serving a life sentence for a drug trafficking charge.

President Biden’s decision to grant clemency to nearly 2,500 inmates, including individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, has drawn bipartisan criticism. His previous actions, such as commuting the sentences of individuals on federal death row and granting clemency to a large number of individuals in December, have also faced scrutiny.

In conclusion, the clemency granted to the “Waverly Two” by President Biden has sparked outrage and disbelief among Virginia officials and the community. The decision has reignited the pain and sorrow of Officer Gibson’s family, who continue to seek justice for his tragic death.