”When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”“ – Matthew 27:24 NIV

Pilate claimed to not have any responsibility in Jesus death, but he had a massive part in making the decision. He decided to abdicate his decision to the Will of the crowd. If it was someone he loved, he would’ve fought for them, but we don’t see that. So there was an aspect where we know his hands weren’t tied, and he chose to do nothing more with his power. That’s his decision and it’s one with moral implications. I’ve said this before, but our choice to not do something is still a choice and still has consequences. The only time you can’t say you were responsible for something is when you did the best you could with the information you had. Pilate didn’t do that and therefore was at least part to blame.