Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has pardoned Daniel S. Perry, a man convicted of fatally shooting a protester during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in 2020. The decision came after a recommendation from the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles, with Perry’s lawyers arguing he acted in self-defense against the protester, Garrett Foster, who was carrying a rifle. Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison, amid claims of racist comments and psychological issues. The family of Garrett Foster expressed disbelief at the decision, viewing it as politically motivated.
The case involved issues like protests over George Floyd’s killing, civilian use of military-style rifles, and self-defense rights. Perry, an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant, shot at Foster who was carrying a rifle in front of Perry’s car. Perry’s lawyers argued Foster had pointed his weapon first. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Perry’s hostility towards protesters on social media. Despite the self-defense argument, the jury eventually convicted Perry, leading to calls for a new trial that were denied.
In his official pardon proclamation, Gov. Abbott criticized the district attorney, accusing him of unethical conduct in prosecuting Perry. The district attorney, José Garza, accused the governor and the pardons board of making a mockery of the legal system and devaluing Garrett Foster’s life. Perry’s lawyer expressed gratitude for the pardon, stating Perry was thrilled to be free and wished the tragic event never happened. Perry had lost his military career and planned to seek an upgrade to his discharge status.
The pardon of Perry contrasted with the governor’s inaction on a recommended posthumous pardon for George Floyd. Gov. Abbott justified Perry’s pardon by stating he had feared for his life during the protest. Those close to Foster, including his partner Whitney Mitchell and his mother, denounced the decision, viewing it as an attack on Second Amendment rights and the value of Foster’s life. Foster’s mother expressed plans to leave the state in response to the pardon, citing a lack of safety and justice.
The pardon came amidst ongoing public protests in Texas, this time on college campuses in opposition to Israel’s actions in the Gaza war. Gov. Abbott has condemned the pro-Palestinian protesters and deployed state police officers to make arrests, but no violent incidents have been reported. The pardon of Perry, in the context of protests over racial justice and gun rights, has raised concerns about the message sent to communities and the integrity of the legal system. The decision has sparked debate and controversy across the state.
