Texas Governor Pardons Man Convicted of Killing BLM Protester
Overview:
- Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has pardoned Daniel Perry, who was convicted of murdering a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020.
- Daniel Perry, a former US Army sergeant and Uber driver, shot and killed Garrett Foster during a protest in Austin.
Incident Details:
- Perry, 37, was driving his Uber when he encountered a Black Lives Matter march.
- Garrett Foster, 28, a protester and former US Air Force mechanic, approached Perry’s car with an AK-47 rifle, which he was legally carrying.
- Perry claimed self-defense, stating Foster raised his rifle at him, prompting Perry to shoot him five times with a .357 revolver.
Trial and Conviction:
- Perry was convicted by a jury of murder in April 2023 and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
- During the trial, witnesses disputed Perry’s claim that Foster raised his rifle.
- Perry had expressed hostility towards protesters in social media messages, comparing them to “monkeys” and expressing a desire to shoot looters.
Governor’s Pardon:
- Governor Abbott announced the pardon following a review by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
- Abbott cited Texas’ strong “Stand Your Ground” laws, which allow individuals to use force if they believe they are in imminent danger of serious harm.
Reactions:
- Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, who prosecuted the case, criticized the pardon, accusing Abbott and the Board of prioritizing politics over justice.
- The pardon has sparked significant controversy, highlighting the polarized views on self-defense laws and the handling of cases involving protests and racial tensions.
Context:
- The shooting occurred amid nationwide protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
- Foster’s death and Perry’s subsequent conviction became a focal point for political debate, particularly among conservatives.
Governor Abbott’s Statement:
- Abbott defended the pardon, emphasizing the legal right to self-defense in Texas and criticizing what he viewed as the influence of a progressive District Attorney on the jury’s decision.
Key Points:
- Pardon Granted: Governor Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry, who was convicted of killing Garrett Foster during a BLM protest.
- Self-Defense Claim: Perry claimed he acted in self-defense under Texas’ “Stand Your Ground” law.
- Controversy and Reactions: The pardon has been heavily criticized by the district attorney and others, while supported by conservatives.
- Background: The incident and subsequent legal actions occurred in the context of heightened tensions following George Floyd’s murder.