In a highly contentious move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott pardoned former US Army Sergeant Daniel Perry on Thursday for the July 2020 murder of Black Lives Matter protester Garrett Foster during a riot. This decision follows Perry’s conviction in April 2023 and comes after Abbott requested the state parole board to investigate the case, leading to a unanimous approval vote for the pardon.
Perry’s conviction stemmed from an incident where he shot and killed Foster, who was participating in a BLM protest. Perry claimed self-defense, stating he felt threatened by Foster, who was armed with an AK-47 rifle. The case sparked widespread debate over self-defense laws and the rights of protesters.
Governor Abbott, in his statement following the announcement of the pardon, cited Texas’ ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws, which permit individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are in imminent danger. “In Texas, we value the right to self-defense, and our laws reflect that,” Abbott said.
The decision to pardon Perry has been met with both support and outrage. Supporters argue that Perry acted within his rights under Texas law, while critics claim the pardon undermines the justice system and the jury’s verdict. The case continues to be a flashpoint in discussions about race, policing, and self-defense laws in the United States.
