Former Army Sgt. Daniel Perry, who was heavily criticized by the media and targeted by a district attorney backed by George Soros, has been pardoned by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Perry was pardoned for defending himself against a rioter who aimed an AK-47 at him during a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin in July 2020.
The pardon, confirmed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, was unanimously recommended by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. However, The New York Times framed Perry’s pardon as a response to partisan pressure rather than a just decision.
The incident involved Garrett Foster, who was among a group of protesters blocking a busy street in Austin. Foster confronted Perry with an AK-47, prompting Perry to shoot him in self-defense. Despite this, the Times downplayed the threat Foster posed in their coverage of the pardon.
The article focused on portraying Foster as an innocent victim and suggested that Perry was motivated by racism. It highlighted comments from Foster’s family and prosecutors, painting Perry in a negative light.
Despite being convicted by a jury in 2023, Perry received a 25-year prison sentence which was later overturned by Abbott’s pardon. The proclamation cited the Second Amendment and Texas law in justifying Perry’s use of deadly force in self-defense.
Abbott criticized Travis County’s District Attorney José Garza for mishandling the case and abusing his power. Garza’s actions have led to calls for his removal.
Perry’s attorney celebrated the pardon, expressing Perry’s relief and optimism for the future. Despite the media’s bias against Perry, the pardon signifies a step towards justice for him.
