Biden's decision to grant clemency to 'cop killers' leaves Youngkin and Miyares in 'utter disbelief'.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized President Biden for granting clemency to the "Waverly Two," who they claimed were responsible for the 1998 murder of a Sussex County police officer.

Youngkin expressed his outrage and disbelief that President Biden granted clemency to Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson, who were convicted of brutally killing Officer Allen Gibson, a community hero and devoted public servant.

"The Biden U.S. Attorney advised the White House not to commute these sentences, making the situation even more unconscionable as these offenders are violent."

The unimaginable pain and sorrow that the Gibson family experiences due to the clemency granted to Youngkin is immense.

Youngkin stated that the fact that the men who killed Officer Gibson will go unpunished is not only an injustice but also a devastating blow to those who still grieve for his sacrifice. This is a despicable act; a dark day for justice and for the families who rely on our system to bring the guilty to justice.

In Sussex County Circuit Court, Claiborne and Richardson confessed to being responsible for Gibson's brutal murder, according to Youngkin's office.

Youngkin stated that the evidence and details surrounding Officer Gibson's death were deeply disturbing and tragic.

Obama rejected clemency for Claiborne and Richardson, according to Youngkin's office.

In July, both men will be released under the current terms.

President Biden's decision to grant clemency to two violent criminals is despicable, and I am beyond outraged and in utter disbelief, Youngkin wrote on X.

Gibson's family will continue to receive justice, as Miyares mirrored Youngkin's disapproval and pledged to do so.

Biden's decision to grant clemency to cop killers has caused trauma for the fallen officer's child, Crissana. This is a shameful act, and it is on you, Joe Biden and your enabling staff. The memory of Officer Allen Gibson and his family will forever haunt each of you.

Crissana Gibson, who was outraged by Biden's decision, also shared a statement.

"The outgoing Biden administration has failed my family, my father, and the entire law enforcement community by releasing the men who killed my father from prison. The Virginia Attorney General's office has worked tirelessly to keep these murderers behind bars, and I am forever grateful for their dedication and hard work. Neither my family nor I have ever supported the release of Richardson or Claiborne, and we denounce this decision by the outgoing failed presidency of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party's abuse of the justice system."

On April 25, 1998, Allen Gibson, a 25-year-old Waverly police officer, was shot with his own service weapon in the woods behind an apartment complex and never returned home.

Miyares described how Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne were found engaged in a drug deal behind an apartment building. Officer Gibson discovered them and tried to intervene, but the men attacked him. Richardson disarmed Officer Gibson and fatally shot him in the stomach, just below his bulletproof vest.

Both Claiborne and Richardson were officially named suspects and arrested for Gibson's murder shortly after his death, according to officials.

Despite being acquitted of murder and firearms charges, both men are still serving a life sentence for a remaining drug trafficking charge.

Biden declared on Friday morning that he would pardon almost 2,500 inmates as his presidency drew to a close.

Individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to what they would receive under today's law.

Criticism of Biden's pardon and commutation decisions has come from both political parties.

In December, he opted to commute the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on federal death row, sparing them from execution and condemning them to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

On Dec. 12, Biden granted clemency to 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others, most of whom were already serving time in home confinement due to COVID-19-related decisions.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Planet Chronicle Digital and Fox Business. If you have story tips or ideas, you can send them to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).