Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced his intention to use his authority to pardon a former U.S. Army sergeant convicted in liberal Austin for a murder that occurred during the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. Daniel Perry, who claims he acted in self-defense, was found guilty by a jury, and now, Gov. Abbott is working to expedite Perry’s pardon, as per Texas law.
Perry’s conviction has raised concerns about the political motivations of Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, who has been backed by progressive billionaire George Soros. Critics argue that Garza seems more interested in appeasing Antifa and BLM supporters than in upholding justice.
As reported by Fox News, Perry was found guilty of murder after fatally shooting a BLM protester wielding an AK-47. Despite Perry claiming self-defense and the Austin Police Department initially supporting his account, the jury convicted him.
The incident took place on July 25, 2020, when Perry was driving for Uber in downtown Austin and encountered protesters illegally blocking the streets. Perry’s defense team maintains that the protesters surrounded his vehicle, including Garrett Foster, who held the semi-automatic rifle. According to Perry’s attorneys, Foster raised his weapon at Perry, leaving Perry no choice but to use his legally carried handgun in self-defense.
EXCELLENT news. https://t.co/e1xem3bx9C
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) April 8, 2023
Doug O’Connell, an attorney for Perry, emphasized that while it may be legal to carry an assault rifle in downtown Austin, it is not a wise choice. He added that those who point a firearm at someone must take responsibility for the consequences.
Gov. Abbott highlighted the robust “stand your ground” laws in Texas, which he believes should not be undermined by a jury or a progressive District Attorney. Although the Texas Constitution limits the Governor’s pardon authority to recommendations from the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Gov. Abbott has requested the board expedite its review, stating that he looks forward to signing the pardon when it reaches his desk.
July 2020 in Austin, TX, Army Sgt Daniel Perry was working his Uber shift, & got tangled up in a BLM protest. His car was surrounded. A BLM activist raised his AR-47 at Perry. Perry shot him dead. It was ruled self-defense, until the Soros backed DA brought charges against him in… pic.twitter.com/pBBciiZsJH
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) April 8, 2023
Furthermore, Gov. Abbott has prioritized reining in “rogue” District Attorneys and is working with the Texas Legislature to create laws addressing the issue. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his concern over the situation, stating, “Self-defense is a God-given right, not a crime. Unfortunately, the Soros-backed DA in Travis County cares more about the radical agenda of dangerous Antifa and BLM mobs than justice.”
Attorney O’Connell, who visited Perry in jail, shared Perry’s devastation over the conviction, which he fears will result in never being able to embrace his mother again and ending his Army service. Gov. Abbott’s actions to pardon Perry are a critical step in preserving citizens’ rights to self-defense and ensuring that political agendas do not obstruct justice.
WATCH the video below for more details:
Sources: Conservativebrief, FoxNews