Texas Governor Greg Abbott Pardons Army Sergeant Who Killed Protester in 2020

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a pardon for Daniel Perry, an Army sergeant who was serving a 25-year prison sentence for the shooting and killing of a protester in 2020. The pardon comes following a unanimous recommendation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, who also voted unanimously to recommend the full restoration of Perry's firearm rights. Abbott highlighted Texas' strong 'Stand Your Ground' law, emphasizing that it cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney. He expressed gratitude to the Board for their thorough investigation and approved their pardon recommendation.

An investigation into Perry's case began on April 8th, 2024, at the request of the governor. This request followed Perry's conviction for the murder of Garrett Foster, a 28-year-old protester, who was advocating for racial justice and against police brutality in downtown Austin.

Perry's attorneys argued that their client, who was stationed at Fort Hood and working as a ride-share driver at the time, acted in self-defense and was part of a "political prosecution." They stated that Foster, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was carrying an AK-47 and approached Perry's vehicle.

Daniel Perry was seen on a pool video feed as he arrived for his sentencing hearing in Austin, Texas, on May 9, 2023. Prosecutors presented social media posts and messages that they claimed showed Perry's state of mind before the shooting, including searches for phrases related to protests in various cities.

Board of Pardons and Paroles Decision

The Board of Pardons and Paroles undertook a comprehensive review of relevant documents, from police reports to court records, witness statements, and interviews with individuals linked to the case. Following their deliberations, they recommended the pardon and restoration of firearm rights.

Perry's attorney, Doug O'Connell, expressed gratitude to the governor, calling the pardon a correction of a "courtroom travesty" that occurred over a year ago. O'Connell conveyed Perry's relief at being free and expressed regret over the tragic event, emphasizing Perry's recognition of the Foster family's grief.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza, who oversaw the case, expressed disappointment over the recent actions of the Governor and Board. He indicated that politics had been prioritized over justice, and criticized the decision, stating that it made a mockery of the legal system.

Garza's statement further emphasized the perceived inequality in the state's legal proceedings, condemning the actions as contrary to the law and reflective of a system with different standards for different individuals.