For the first time, US President Joe Biden used his clemency powers on Tuesday, announcing pardons for three people, including the first Black man to serve on the White House’s Secret Service detail.

Biden also announced the commutation of sentences for 75 others, the majority of whom were serving lengthy sentences for nonviolent drug offences.

In a statement, Biden said, “America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation.”

“People who have demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation and are striving every day to give back and contribute to their communities,” he said, will be granted pardons.