Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed outrage and disbelief after President Biden granted clemency to two individuals known as the 'Waverly Two,' who admitted to the 1998 murder of Sussex County police officer Allen Gibson.
Youngkin criticized Biden's decision, stating that it was a grave injustice and a heartbreaking blow to Officer Gibson's family and the community. He emphasized the pain and sorrow caused by the clemency, highlighting the violent nature of the crime.
Miyares echoed Youngkin's sentiments, condemning Biden for granting clemency to individuals convicted of killing a police officer. He vowed to continue seeking justice for Gibson's family and expressed solidarity with Crissana Gibson, the officer's daughter.
Crissana Gibson herself expressed outrage at Biden's decision, calling it a miscarriage of justice and denouncing the administration's actions. She praised the efforts of the Virginia Attorney General's office in keeping the murderers behind bars.
The incident in question occurred on April 25, 1998, when Officer Gibson was fatally shot during a confrontation with Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne, who were engaged in a drug deal. Both men were arrested and convicted of drug trafficking but acquitted of murder and firearms charges.
Biden's recent clemency announcements, including the commutation of sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, have faced bipartisan criticism. His decision to grant clemency to individuals involved in violent crimes, such as the 'Waverly Two,' has sparked controversy and drawn condemnation from Virginia officials and the law enforcement community.
As the debate over presidential clemency continues, the memory of Officer Allen Gibson and the impact of his tragic death remain at the forefront of the discussion, highlighting the complexities of justice and the consequences of executive decisions.
