Shortly before leaving office, former president Joe Biden decided to commute the life sentence of Leonard Peltier. The indigenous activist was convicted back in 1975 after being accused of killing two FBI agents during a shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Peltier has long maintained his innocence with many campaigning for his freedom. Among his supporters were Rage Against The Machine, who have responded positively to the news.
The band briefly commented:
“Anger is a gift.
Leonard Peltier to be freed.”
Guitarist Tom Morello issued a statement as well:
“LEONARD PELTIER IS GOING HOME!! For almost 5 decades human rights organizations, Native American activists, average everyday people and bands like RATM have lobbied for the release of political prisoner Leonard Peltier. Leonard has become a friend over the years and I am so glad at 80 years old and in poor health he will be able to spend his remaining years with family and friends. For this MASSIVE RIFF MONDAY there can be only one choice, RATM’s “FREEDOM” whose video exposed a new generation to this historical injustice.”
Drummer Brad Wilk also shared his thoughts:
“After almost 50 years of unjust incarceration, clemency was finally granted to Leonard Peltier! From as far back as the first RATM video which marks his story and the incident at Oglala to marching in the streets of NY at the end of Clintons term and beyond we have been hoping for this day of clemency and Justice for Peltier to finally come. The necklace in slide (7) was made for me in jail by Leonard. He made one for all four of us after we released the Freedom video. Unreal…. Feels bitter sweet… but clemency will finally be served for Leonard Peltier. 🥹🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼✊🏼”
Metal Anarchy 
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