In a shocking decision, President Biden has commuted the death sentence of a man who brutally murdered Columbus police officer Bryan Hurst in 2005. This move has sparked outrage from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) chapter representing Columbus, Ohio. FOP Capital City Lodge #9 slammed Biden’s decision, calling it an “inexcusable affront” to the memory of Officer Hurst and all law enforcement officers.
President of the Columbus chapter of the FOP, Brian Steel, stated, “The decision to commute the sentence of Daryl Lawrence is an inexcusable affront to the memory of Officer Bryan Hurst and the law enforcement community as a whole.” Steel emphasized that Hurst made the ultimate sacrifice and that this decision undermines the justice that was rightfully served for his murder. He also urged for continued advocacy for justice in honor of Hurst and all officers who put their lives on the line every day.
Marissa Gibson, Hurst’s widow, also spoke out against Biden’s decision, expressing her disappointment and frustration. She shared, “While this is truly distressing news on a personal level for my family, it also feels like a complete dismissal and undermining of the federal justice system.” Gibson added that Lawrence’s sentence was imposed by a jury and should be upheld as such.
Retired Columbus police officer and Hurst’s former partner, Donnie Oliverio, had a different perspective. He voiced his support for the commutation, stating that it aligns with his faith and that he believes executing Lawrence would not bring him peace. However, this viewpoint is not shared by the majority of law enforcement and the decision has been met with backlash from the FOP and other officers.
Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 Condemns Commutation of Columbus Cop Killers Federal Death Sentence pic.twitter.com/WhquchlZ0z
— FOP Capital City Lodge 9 (@capcityfop) December 23, 2024
This is not the first controversial move made by Biden in regards to criminal justice. He has previously commuted the sentences of narcotics traffickers and fraudsters, as well as granting his son Hunter a blanket pardon for all potential criminal activity dating back to 2014. In contrast, Biden decided to keep only three convicted killers on federal death row in his Monday commutations, showing where his priorities lie.
This latest decision to commute a cop killer’s sentence has sparked outrage and raised questions about Biden’s stance on law and order.
It is clear that Biden’s actions prioritize criminals over the victims and goes against the values of the majority of law enforcement and the American people. It is time for the media to report on the real impact of Biden’s policies and hold him accountable for his decisions.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
Biden IN ON the crimes