President Trump Monday issued an Executive Grant of Clemency for Oklahoman Michael Behenna, who was convicted of killing an Iraqi man being questioned about an IED. Behenna is a former U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant. He was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for unpremeditated murder in a combat zone. Behenna has claimed he killed the man in self-defense.
The White House statement on the full pardon noted, “After judgment, however, the U.S. Army’s highest appellate court noted concern about how the trial court had handled Mr. Behenna’s claim of self-defense. Additionally, the Army Clemency and Parole Board reduced his sentence to 15 years and paroled him as soon as he was eligible in 2014—just 5 years into his sentence.”
The move by President Trump to give Behenna clemency won praise from U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford, as well as, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter. Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation and Hunter have been working to secure a pardon for Behenna.
“I want to thank President Trump for reviewing Lt. Behenna’s case and granting him clemency,” said Inhofe. “I am happy for Michael and his family as they close this difficult chapter. He served his time and the president has granted him a clean slate and a fresh start. I wish him all the best for the future.”
“I’m grateful that the long road for Michael Behenna and his family has finally come to a joyous end,” said Lankford. “Michael now gets a clean slate and a second chance at life. Michael’s family, the Oklahoma congressional delegation, and Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter have worked tirelessly for years to ensure Michael received justice throughout this entire painful process.”
“I commend President Trump’s decision to grant a full pardon for Mr. Behenna,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Mr. Behenna served his country with distinction, honor and sacrifice. He has admitted to his mistakes, has learned from them and deserves to move on from this incident without living under its cloud for the rest of his life. My hope is that Michael and the rest of his family can rest easy this evening knowing they can put this tragic situation behind them.
“Again, I applaud President Trump and his team for acting on Mr. Behenna’s case and giving him back the freedoms he deserves.”
Great news!
As a retired Army infantry officer, I have studied this case over the years. What some may call “great news” others may call “injustice”.
To me, this guy clearly did not live up to the vows an officer takes…