During the second day of the Todd Blanche confirmation hearing, several Republican senators questioned the credibility of Elizabeth Oyer, a former U.S. pardon attorney, regarding her involvement in recommending clemency for 37 death row inmates. Oyer served in a nonpolitical role from April 2022 until March 2025, when she was dismissed by then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche, who did not provide a public reason for her firing. Oyer claimed her dismissal was politically motivated.
Republicans criticized Oyer's recommendations to commute the sentences of federal death row inmates, arguing it undermined her credibility. Oyer mentioned Blanche's handling of high-profile cases, including those involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, as reasons against his appointment as attorney general. In her testimony, she stated that the Department of Justice prioritized protecting powerful individuals at the expense of vulnerable victims.
Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt confronted Oyer about her internal memo recommending that Attorney General Merrick Garland advise President Biden to commute the sentences of remaining federal death row inmates. Hawley highlighted specific cases, including that of Dylan Roof, who was convicted for a mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Oyer had previously stated that Roof was not a compelling candidate for clemency but recommended it nonetheless, citing his anxiety.
Hawley also questioned Oyer's recommendation for Robert Bowers, convicted of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, and Jorge Avila-Torrez, who was on death row for multiple murders. Oyer maintained that all inmates who received clemency would remain incarcerated for life.
Democratic Senator Cory Booker defended Oyer, expressing disapproval of the treatment she received during questioning and commending her efforts to educate others about the law. Fox News Digital reached out to the Biden administration and Oyer for comments.