Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized President Joe Biden's decision to grant clemency to the “Waverly Two," who sentenced to life in prison for the 1998 murder of a Sussex County police officer, even though they were acquitted.

Both men were tried on a related drug charge in 2001 and given a life sentence, according to news reports.

“I am beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson—two men who admitted [to] being responsible [for] brutally killing Officer Allen Gibson, a hero and dedicated servant to our community,” said Youngkin in a statement. 

“What makes this even more unconscionable is the Biden U.S Attorney advised the White House not to commute these sentences as they are violent offenders. The pain and sorrow this clemency causes the Gibson family is unimaginable. To know that the men who took Officer Gibson’s life will walk free is not just a grave injustice—it is a heartbreaking blow to those who continue to mourn his sacrifice. This is despicable; a grim day for justice and for the families who trust that our system will hold the guilty accountable,” he added.