Washington, D.C. – Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today celebrated President Joe Biden’s pardoning of Darryl “Wolfie” Chambers, a long-time gun violence prevention advocate from Wilmington, Delaware.
A trailblazer both locally and nationally in the areas of gun violence prevention and second chance initiatives, Mr. Chambers played an instrumental role in the Break the Cycle of Violence legislation that Blunt Rochester co-authored as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill was included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act—the first gun safety legislation passed in almost 30 years.
Mr. Chambers was convicted of a non-violent drug offense 27 years ago and was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. After serving his time, he joined the HOPE Commission, a nonprofit in Wilmington committed to community development and violence reduction. In 2020, he founded the Center for Structural Equity at the University of Delaware.
Blunt Rochester advocated for Mr. Chambers’ pardon to the Biden administration and worked with Delaware leaders, including Attorney General Kathy Jennings, and many others who sent letters of support on his behalf.
“I’m thrilled that on his final full day in the White House, President Biden granted Darryl Chambers a presidential pardon – an achievement many in Delaware have been working towards for a long time,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “He epitomizes the adage of turning pain into purpose. For years, Wolfie has been an exemplary leader, a dedicated advocate, a thorough researcher, and trusted community messenger. His story is one of perseverance – where he’s used his experience to help others and save lives. He continues to be a resource and provide guidance on what our communities need that is evidence-based. In addition to his support of the Break the Cycle legislation, he supported my bipartisan Clean Slate Act which passed in the Delaware General Assembly. His efforts are giving others a second chance. Through it all, he has remained focused not on himself but others. I can think of no better person to receive this pardon, and I’m honored to have played a part.”
In response to the pardon, Darryl “Wolfie” Chambers said, “I extend my deepest gratitude to those whose unwavering support, guidance, and belief in my journey made my federal pardon a reality. Your dedication to justice and compassion has given me the opportunity to embrace a brighter future. I am forever thankful. In addition to President Biden, Senator Blunt Rochester, and Attorney General Jennings, I also want to thank Eric Kraeutler, Esq., Senator Chris Coons, Dr. Yasser Payne, Dr. Dan O’Connell, Meisje Scales, Governor-elect Matt Meyer, Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Mayor John Carney, DSU President Tony Allen, Norman Oliver – and all those who have been on this journey with me.”
“Wolfie has accomplished more than just a successful rehabilitation; he has dedicated his entire being to preventing violence and saving lives,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “When his son was taken from him through a senseless act of gun violence, Wolfie could have succumbed to despair or anger. Instead, he channeled his grief into action, becoming a catalyst for change in communities plagued by gun violence. We owe him a debt of gratitude. I’m proud to have supported his pardon and I am grateful to everyone — including President Biden, Senator Blunt Rochester, and Wolfie’s pro bono attorney, Eric Kraeutler — who has helped deliver the clean slate that he deserves.”
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