David Palmer (character)

David Palmer is a fictional character played by Dennis Haysbert as part of the television series, 24. He is the first African-American president of the United States.

Controversial Decisions

• Illegally authorized an operation to take out Balkan war criminal Victor Drazen (2 years before Season 1)
• Took reporter Ron Weiland into custody against his will (Season 2)
• Ordered the torture of NSA Director Roger Stanton (Season 2)
• Enlisted ex-wife Sherry Palmer's help (Seasons 2, 3)
• Authorized a prison break-in to covertly release terrorist Ramon Salazar, as per terrorist demands (Season 3)
• Gave in to demands of terrorist Steven Saunders several times (including the murder of Ryan Chappelle) (Season 3)
• Lied to LA police chief to provide an alabi for Sherry Palmer (Season 3)
• Authorized a covert operation to extract a vital witness who was a Chinese national from the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles. During this operation the consule was killed, which could be considered an act of war. (Season 4)