Gavin Newsom: “I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values…”

For this reason, I am compelled to follow my conscience and, as authorised by our Constitution, take this action for the welfare of the State of California.

The people sentenced to death in California caused indescribable suffering to victims, their families, communities, and our state as a whole … many Californians feel that those who commit brutal crimes deserve to die. But as governor, I…

Faithfulness to our values is measured by how we act when it is most difficult to uphold them. For me, this is one of those instances … Today, I’m acting on my long and deeply held conviction that individually and collectively we are…

Because the death penalty is inherently incompatible with our legal system's commitment to justice, I have determined that this clemency decision, while difficult in many respects, will ultimately affirm the strength and integrity of our…