Governor Abbott Pardons Man Convicted of Killing Armed BLM Protester

In a controversial decision, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has granted a full pardon to Daniel Perry, a U.S. Army sergeant convicted of murdering a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020. The incident, which occurred in Travis County, had sparked intense debate over self-defense laws and the role of prosecutors.

Incident and Conviction

Daniel Perry, 35, was convicted in a Democrat-led county for the fatal shooting of Garrett Foster during a Black Lives Matter protest in July 2020. Perry claimed he acted in self-defense when Foster, who was armed with an AK-47, approached his vehicle. After the shooting, Perry immediately called 911 and turned himself in to authorities. Despite his insistence on self-defense, Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Governor Abbott’s Pardon

Governor Abbott’s pardon came after a thorough review by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, which examined Perry's personal history and the details surrounding the incident. “The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles conducted an exhaustive review of U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel Perry’s personal history and the facts surrounding the July 2020 incident and recommended a Full Pardon and Restoration of Full Civil Rights of Citizenship,” Abbott said in a statement.

Abbott emphasized Texas's robust "Stand Your Ground" self-defense laws, asserting that these laws should not be undermined by jury decisions or progressive district attorneys. “Texas has one of the strongest ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney,” Abbott stated. He expressed gratitude to the Board for its comprehensive investigation and endorsed their recommendation for pardon.

Allegations Against the District Attorney

The case against Perry was further complicated by allegations of misconduct by Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza. Detective David Fugitt, the lead investigator, accused Garza of criminal behavior, claiming that the DA's office obstructed the presentation of exculpatory evidence. Fugitt stated in an affidavit that he was instructed to omit significant exculpatory information from the grand jury presentation, reducing his original 158-slide presentation to just 56 slides.

Fugitt’s affidavit described Garza’s actions as moving from unethical to criminal, highlighting the suppression of evidence that could have supported Perry’s self-defense claim. “It became clear to me that the District Attorney’s Office did not want to present evidence to the grand jury that would be exculpatory to Daniel Perry,” Fugitt said.

Implications and Reactions

Governor Abbott's pardon has reignited debates over self-defense, prosecutorial conduct, and political influence in the legal system. Supporters of Perry argue that he was unjustly prosecuted for defending himself, while critics see the pardon as undermining the judicial process and justice for Garrett Foster.

As this high-profile case continues to unfold, it underscores the complexities and contentious nature of legal proceedings involving self-defense claims and political overtones. Share this article to inform others about the latest developments in this case, and consider subscribing to our newsletter for ongoing updates.