Biden tells Charleston, SC church ‘I’m not going anywhere’ on last day in office

President Biden has vowed to continue his public life following his departure from the White House, telling a South Carolina congregation on Sunday, “I’m not going anywhere.”

On his last full day in office, Biden traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, where he spoke at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate Martin Luther King Day early.

In a message of sympathy, Biden praised himself for issuing more speeches and individual pardons than any other president in American history, adding that he wants to “end the federal death penalty” by commuting many prison sentences without parole. The president also said he commuted the sentences of people “serving unreasonably harsh, long, and harsh sentences for non-violent drug offenses” and showed “mercy” to people who served their time or served more time and “showed significant remorse and rehabilitation.”

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“These decisions are difficult, some have never been made before, but in my opinion, with my conscience, I believe that combining justice and mercy requires as a nation to witness, to see people’s pain, not to look away and do work, to move the pain with purpose, to show that we can find a person, a nation, on the day of redemption, “said Biden. “We know that the struggle to save the soul of this nation is difficult and continues.

“This is the coast between danger and possibility. But faith, faith teaches us that the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. That is the faith that we must hold on to until Saturdays come. We must hold on to hope. We must always be busy. You must always have faith in a better day to come,” said Biden. , he added: “I’m not kidding… People of South Carolina, thank you for keeping the faith and making it the honor of my life to be your president.”

President Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Rep. James Clyburn attended a service at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

“As I close this journey with you, I love our work as I was a 29-year-old child when I was elected,” added Biden. “I’m not tired at all.”

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Biden, who turned 82 in November, is due to return to Washington, DC, on Monday for President-elect Trump’s inauguration.

After a disastrous debate with Trump over the summer, Biden suspended his re-election campaign amid growing concern within the Democratic Party about his age and mental health.

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as your president,” President Biden told a congregation in North Charleston, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Vice President Kamala Harris led the Democratic ticket for Biden and was defeated by Trump in November.

Biden was the oldest American president who was sworn into office four years ago. Trump, 78, will surpass that record by a few months on Monday.

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Earlier on Sunday, Biden offered condolences to five other people, including pardoning political activist and black nationalist Marcus Garvey.