Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has granted a full pardon to Daniel Perry, a former US army sergeant convicted of homicide for fatally shooting an armed protester during nationwide demonstrations against police violence and racial injustice in 2020. As reported by The Guardian on Thursday, May 16, 2024, Abbott’s decision came shortly after the Texas board of pardons and paroles unanimously recommended pardoning Perry and restoring his right to bear arms.
Perry, who has been serving a 25-year prison sentence since his conviction in 2023, will now be released and have his firearms privileges reinstated. Abbott had previously directed the board to thoroughly reassess Perry’s case and had indicated his intention to grant a pardon upon such a recommendation.
The board, comprised of individuals appointed by the governor, announced its unanimous support, paving the way for Abbott’s subsequent pardon. Abbott’s decision followed pressure from Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News star, who publicly called on Abbott to intervene after Perry’s guilty verdict in April 2022.
During Perry’s trial in Austin, prosecutors used his social media activity and text messages to depict him as a racial supremacist. Perry, employed as a ride-share driver at the time, intentionally drove into a street filled with protesters and fatally shot 28-year-old Garrett Foster, an air force veteran legally carrying an AK-47 at the Black Lives Matter protest.
Prosecutors argued that Perry had the opportunity to leave without resorting to violence, while witnesses testified they never saw Foster lift his weapon. Perry’s defense contended that Foster raised his rifle, leaving Perry with no choice but to fire in self-defense.
After two days of deliberation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict. Perry, who did not take the witness stand, received a 25-year prison sentence. Abbott’s pardon has reignited debate over the handling of cases involving deadly force during protests against racial injustice.
