Army Sergeant Daniel Perry was convicted of murder yesterday for shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester holding an AK-47 after the gun was raised toward him. The Austin Police Department concluded at the time that Perry acted in self-defense. Perry testified that he shot the protestor after the protestor himself aimed his AK47-style rifle at Perry.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott wants to have Sgt. Perry pardoned. Here is the tweet he sent today (4-8-2023):
I am working as swiftly as Texas law allows regarding the pardon of Sgt. Perry.
Texas has one of the strongest “Stand Your Ground” laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive District Attorney.
Unlike the President or some other states, the Texas Constitution limits the Governor’s pardon authority to only act on a recommendation by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Texas law DOES allow the Governor to request the Board and Paroles to determine if a person should be granted a pardon. I have made that request and instructed the Board to expedite its review.
I look forward to approving the Board’s pardon recommendation as soon as it hits my desk.
Additionally, I have already prioritized reining in rogue District Attorneys, and the Texas Legislature is working on laws to achieve that goal.
Gov Abbott wants to have Sgt. Perry pardoned of his murder charge.