President Donald Trump called for the commutation of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht during his speech at the Libertarian National Convention on Saturday. It was the first time a presidential candidate had addressed the convention of another party where that party was meeting to choose their own candidate.
“If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht,” Trump told the audience. He also promised to appoint a commission to review the cases of all political prisoners under Joe Biden, saying that he would appoint a Libertarian to that commission as well.
Trump promised that he would commute Ross’ sentence if he were elected to be president as the crowd chanted the imprisoned man’s name. He repeated his promise to pardon J6ers, as those who were jailed as a result of charges stemming from the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021 have come to be called.
Ulbricht was given two life sentences in addition to 40 years with no parole after he was involved in the making of Silk Road, a dark web black market. The service allowed users to buy and sell products online anonymously, some of which were illegal, with many using Bitcoin for currency. Ross was arrested and convicted of conspiracy to distribute a number of illegal materials.
The online black market allowed users to engage in criminal activity, though Ulbricht says he was not involved in the illegal activities. As Trump came on stage to speak to the audience at the convention, many put up their “Free Ross” banners as they cheered or jeered the 45th president.
Hellbound and Down 