Senator Shelby (R-AL) to President: No Pardon for Lindh

Press Release

December 19, 2008

Washington, D.C. -

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) asked President Bush not to pardon John Walker Lindh, an admitted Taliban supporter involved in the death of CIA officer Johnny Michael Spann.    

“I am outraged that some individuals are pushing for a pardon of John Walker Lindh,” said Shelby.  “Lindh, an admitted member of the Taliban army, was involved in the death of CIA officer and brave Alabamian, Johnny Michael Spann.  Lindh allowed the Taliban to take the life of an American citizen who fought to defend our nation in the War on Terror.  It is my sincere hope that the President will deny any effort pushed by Lindh or his family to shorten his 20-year sentence.”

Lindh admitted to supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan and in February 2002, Lindh was indicted by a federal grand jury on ten changes:

• Conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals;

• Two counts of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations;

• Two counts of providing material support and resources to terrorist organizations;

• Supplying services to the Taliban;

• Conspiracy to contribute services to al Qaeda;

• Contributing services to al Qaeda;

• Conspiracy to supply services to the Taliban;

• Using and carrying firearms and destructive devices during crimes of violence.

Lindh pled guilty to charges of providing services to the Taliban and carrying illegal explosives in July, 2002.  Lindh was sentenced to 20 years without parole. 

On November 24, 2008, Senator Shelby wrote a letter to the President outlining his position against a pardon for John Walker Lindh. 

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