Governor Abbott Pardons Daniel Perry, Army Sgt. Shooting BLM Protester

Governor Abbott fully pardons ex-soldier who fatally shot protester. Decision sparks mixed reactions from victim's family and public.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott granted a full pardon to former U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Perry on Thursday. Perry had been convicted of murder in 2020 for fatally shooting an armed protester during the national protests against racial inequality and police brutality.

Abbott, a Republican, announced the pardon shortly after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended Perry's pardon and the restoration of his weapons privileges. Abbott praised Texas' strong "Stand Your Ground" self-defense laws and supported the board's decision.

Following his 2023 conviction, Perry had been serving a 25-year sentence in jail. The incident occurred in July 2020 when Perry, an Uber driver at the time, drove towards a downtown protest. Confronted by protester Garrett Foster, who pointed an AK-47 at him, Perry claimed self-defense after protesters began attacking his car. Perry fatally shot Foster, leading to his conviction.

Video footage captured parts of the confrontation, including gunshots and screams. Perry's attorney, Doug O'Connell, expressed Perry's relief and optimism for the future upon hearing news of the pardon. Perry hopes for reconciliation with his family and loved ones.

However, Foster's mother, Sheila Foster, expressed shock and devastation upon learning of the pardon. Her attorney, Quentin Brogdon, stated that she was grieving and struggling to come to terms with the news.

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