On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced his intention to seek a pardon for U.S. Army sergeant, Daniel Perry, who was convicted of murder for fatally shooting a protester during the 2020 nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice.

Abbott clarified via Twitter that he is limited by the state constitution to grant a pardon only upon the recommendation of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Associated Press reported.

Therefore, he is asking the board to expedite their recommendation for Perry’s pardon so that he can approve it as soon as possible. Perry was convicted on Friday by a Travis County jury and faces a potential life sentence.

Abbott emphasized that Texas has a robust self-defense law that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney.

During Perry’s trial, his defense attorneys contended that he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Garrett Foster, who allegedly approached Perry’s car with an AK-47 rifle.

However, the prosecution argued that Perry had the opportunity to drive away before resorting to using his revolver and witnesses testified that Foster did not point his rifle at Perry.

Written by staff