In a bold move that reaffirms Texans’ right to self-defense, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) plans to pardon Army Sergeant Daniel Perry, who was recently convicted of murder in the shooting death of Garret Foster during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Austin. Sgt. Perry claimed self-defense after Foster allegedly pointed an AK-47 at him. At the same time, he attempted to drive through the crowd of protesters.
Abbott’s announcement followed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s public criticism of Travis County District Attorney José Garza, described as a “Soros-backed” prosecutor. Paxton accused Garza of prioritizing the agenda of radical Antifa and BLM mobs over true justice, adding that “rogue prosecutors have weaponized the judicial system.”
Texas Governor Plans to Pardon Army Sgt. Convicted in Austin BLM Protest Shooting
Good. It’s time the States step up and fight this illegal justice system. https://t.co/yiuCAFX2zZ
— persistantNagatha 🇺🇸🍊 (@kmcccomcastnet) April 9, 2023
Abbott clarified his stance on the issue, stating, “Texas has one of the strongest ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney.” He requested an expedited recommendation from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles so he could issue the pardon according to state law requirements. He added that reining in rogue District Attorneys is a top priority, with the Texas Legislature actively working on laws to achieve this goal.
The shooting incident occurred on July 25, 2020, during a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin. According to his attorney, Perry was driving an Uber rideshare at the time and became surrounded by protesters who banged on his car. Foster allegedly pointed the AK-47 at Perry while other protesters continued to hit his vehicle. Fearing for his life, Perry fired at Foster from inside his car.
Perry’s subsequent attorneys, Clint Broden and Doug O’Connell defended his actions. “When Garrett Foster pointed his AK-47 at Daniel Perry, Daniel had two-tenths of a second to defend himself. He chose to live,” O’Connell told reporters.
Apparently the State of Texas no longer recognizes the right of self-defense. @GregAbbott_TX is welcome to come on and discuss. pic.twitter.com/A7o5MvZTVy
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) April 8, 2023
The case garnered national attention, with Fox News’s Tucker Carlson defending Perry’s actions and calling upon Governor Abbott to consider a pardon for the Army Sergeant.
Abbott’s decision demonstrates a commitment to preserving Texans’ rights to defend themselves and sends a strong message to overzealous prosecutors. As the state legislature moves forward with efforts to rein in rogue DAs, balancing justice and self-defense rights remains at the forefront of public debate.
