Republican Texas.Governor Greg Abbott announces complete forgiveness The award goes to a man convicted of killing a protester during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Austin in 2020.
A jury found Daniel Perry guilty of murder in April 2023 after deliberating for 17 hours during an eight-day trial.
Perry claimed he shot Garrett Foster in self-defense after protesters rammed his car. Foster is a former mechanic in the U.S. Air Force and legally owned an AK-47. Perry said Foster pointed the gun at him as Perry shot and killed the man.
Prosecutors relied on witness testimony that contradicted Perry’s account and posts on social media that Perry deemed racist.
“We will correct the travesty in the courtroom and express true justice.”
On Thursday, Mr. Abbott overturned the jury’s decision.
“The Texas Board of Pardons and Parole thoroughly investigated the personal history of U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel Perry and the facts surrounding the July 2020 incident and recommended a full pardon and restoration of full citizenship. did.” Abbott wrote.
“Among the extensive files reviewed by the committee was consideration of information provided by the Travis County District Attorney, the complete investigative report on Daniel Perry, as well as a review of all testimony provided at trial.” he added. It’s the strongest “Stand Your Ground” self-defense law that can’t be overridden by a jury or a progressive district attorney. ”
Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas criticized Abbott over the decision in a social media post.
“Before Daniel Perry killed a veteran in 2020, he told a friend, ‘I might go to Dallas to shoot the looters.'” A year ago, he said, “Unfortunately, Muslims “You can’t get paid for hunting.” The @Abbott government’s alliance with white supremacists is putting dangerous people on the streets. ” wrote Castro.
The family of Foster’s fiancée, Whitney Mitchell, also released a statement condemning Abbott’s decision.
“This sends a chilling message about the value of human life and the power of political influence, and undermines trust in the institutions that are supposed to protect us,” the statement said. . “Today, we are heartbroken but steadfast in calling for a justice system that serves the people without bias or undue political influence.”
Perry’s lawyer, Doug O’Connell, said his client was “excited and elated” that Perry was now free.
“Daniel Perry was jailed for 372 days and lost the military career he loved. The actions of Governor Abbott and the Board of Pardons correct a legal travesty that occurred more than a year ago, and this case… represents true justice in the United States,” O’Connell said.
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, who was criticized by Abbott for convicting Perry, released a statement slamming the pardon.
“The board and the governor are putting their politics above justice and making a mockery of our legal system. They should be ashamed of themselves,” Garza said in part.
“They sent a message to Garrett Foster’s family, his partner, and our community that his life doesn’t matter,” he continued. “To the family and friends of Garrett Foster and the people of Travis County, we will never stop fighting for justice.”
Regarding pardons:
Governor Abbott pardons Daniel Perry, who shot and killed a protester in 2020www.youtube.com
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