Texas Governor Pardons Man Convicted of Killing Black Lives Matter Protester in 2020

Daniel Perry, a 37-year-old part-time Uber driver, was convicted of murdering Garrett Foster, a 28-year-old white Air Force veteran, on July 25, 2020. Perry was driving through Austin when he turned into a street filled with protesters demonstrating against the police killing of George Floyd. In April 2023, Perry was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. In August 2023, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to recommend a full pardon for Perry, as well as restoring his firearms rights. Governor Greg Abbott subsequently issued a full pardon for Perry, citing the board's recommendation. This decision was made despite prosecutors arguing that Perry could have driven away from the confrontation with Foster instead of shooting him.