Governor Kate Brown commutes all death sentences in Oregon

The progressive governor also ordered the execution chamber dismantled. The orders take effect on Wednesday.

In a statement, Brown said, "I have long believed that justice is not advanced by taking a life, and the state should not be in the business of executing people—even if a terrible crime placed them in prison."

"Since taking office in 2015, I have continued Oregon’s moratorium on executions because the death penalty is both dysfunctional and immoral. Today I am commuting Oregon’s death row so that we will no longer have anyone serving a sentence of death and facing execution in this state. This is a value that many Oregonians share.

"Unlike previous commutations I’ve granted to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary growth and rehabilitation, this commutation is not based on any rehabilitative efforts by the individuals on death row. Instead, it reflects the recognition that the death penalty is immoral. It is an irreversible punishment that does not allow for correction; is wasteful of taxpayer dollars; does not make communities safer, and cannot be and never has been administered fairly and equitably. My action today is consistent with the near abolition of the death penalty that has been achieved through SB 1013."

"I also recognize the pain and uncertainty victims experience as they wait for decades while individuals sit on death row—especially in states with moratoriums on executions—without resolution. My hope is that this commutation will bring us a significant step closer to finality in these cases."

Former Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber issued a moratorium on executions in 2011. In 2019, Brown signed a bill into law narrowing the use of the death penalty in Oregon. The last execution in the state took place in 1997.

State Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp said in a press release, "Did the people of Oregon vote to end the death penalty? I don’t recall that happening."

He added, "This is another example of the Governor and the Democrats not abiding by the wishes of Oregonians. Even in the final days of her term, Brown continues to disrespect victims of the most violent crimes."

House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson said in a release that the governor’s "decisions do not consider the impact the victims and families will suffer in the months and years to come. Democrats have consistently chosen criminals over victims."