Texas Governor Pardons Man Convicted of Killing Black Lives Matter Protester
Daniel Perry, Who Claimed Self-Defense, Was Sentenced to 25 Years
Governor Abbott's Pardon Sparked Controversy and Renewed Calls for Criminal Justice Reform
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pardoned Daniel Perry, a man who was convicted of killing a Black Lives Matter protester in Austin in 2020. Perry, 35, had maintained that he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 28-year-old Air Force veteran Garrett Foster. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2023.
Governor Abbott's pardon has sparked controversy, with some people criticizing him for intervening in the judicial process and others praising him for giving Perry a second chance. The pardon has also renewed calls for criminal justice reform in Texas, as critics argue that the state's laws are too harsh and that people of color are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.
In a statement, Governor Abbott said that he pardoned Perry because there was "sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Perry reasonably believed he was in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death" when he shot Foster. He also said that he believed Perry was "truly remorseful" for Foster's death.
Foster's family has expressed disappointment with the pardon, saying that it sends the wrong message about accountability for taking a life. They have also called for a federal investigation into Perry's actions.
The pardon of Daniel Perry is a reminder of the complex and often controversial issue of self-defense. It is also a reminder of the need for continued efforts to reform the criminal justice system and ensure that all people are treated fairly under the law.
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