Austin, Texas – Former Army sergeant Daniel Perry, who was convicted of killing a protester during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in 2020, was released from prison after Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a pardon proclamation.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended the pardon for Perry, which was quickly followed by Abbott’s approval, leading to Perry’s release from incarceration. Perry, who was 36 at the time of his conviction in April 2023, may now have the opportunity to clear his criminal record.
Perry’s conviction stemmed from the shooting of Garrett Foster during a racial justice protest in July 2020. Perry argued that he acted in self-defense after Foster, who was carrying an AK-47 rifle, approached him. Prosecutors countered by suggesting that Perry had actively sought out confrontation.
Governor Abbott defended the decision to pardon Perry, citing Texas’ strong self-defense laws. He praised the Board for their thorough investigation and confirmed the pardon recommendation.
In response to the pardon, Travis County District Attorney José Garza criticized both the parole board and Abbott, accusing them of prioritizing politics over justice and undermining the legal system. He expressed solidarity with Foster’s family and vowed to continue advocating for justice.
Following his release, Perry’s attorney Doug O’Connell highlighted the impact of the pardon on Perry’s life and praised the decision as a correction of a past injustice. Perry’s prospects for the future now appear brighter as he begins to rebuild his life outside of prison.
The case has sparked heated debates and differing opinions, with Foster’s partner Whitney Mitchell condemning the decision as an assault on justice. Mitchell expressed deep sorrow over Foster’s death and criticized the message sent by the pardon regarding the value of certain lives over others.
Gubernatorial pardons in Texas, especially for controversial cases like Perry’s, are rare occurrences. Governor Abbott’s decision to grant clemency to Perry has reignited discussions on the role of pardons in the state’s criminal justice system. As the story unfolds, further developments may shed light on the implications of this decision for both Perry and the broader community.