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Texas Governor Greg Abbott Pardons Daniel Perry for 2020 Protest Shooting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Pardons Daniel Perry for 2020 Protest Shooting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry, a former Army sergeant, who had been convicted of fatally shooting Garrett Foster during a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin, Texas, in July 2020. Perry had been sentenced to 25 years in prison in May 2023 for the incident.

The pardon follows Governor Abbott’s directive to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to expedite their recommendation. Abbott cited Texas’s strong self-defense laws, specifically the “Stand Your Ground” statute, in justifying his decision, arguing that the shooting was an act of self-defense. Abbott also criticized the prosecution, led by District Attorney José Garza, alleging it was biased and unethical.

The incident occurred while Perry was working as an Uber driver and encountered a group of protesters. Perry claimed that he shot Foster, who was legally carrying an AK-47, because Foster pointed the weapon at him. However, witnesses testified that Foster did not raise his weapon, and prosecutors argued that Perry could have left the scene without using deadly force.

The case attracted significant attention and pressure from conservative media figures who argued that Perry’s conviction was politically motivated.

This development underscores the ongoing national debate over self-defense laws, gun rights, and the legal consequences of actions taken during public protests.

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