AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Governor Greg Abbott has pardoned a former U.S. Army sergeant convicted of murder for fatally shooting an armed demonstrator in 2020 during nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice.
Republican Governor Greg Abbott had previously ordered the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to review Daniel Perry’s case and said he would sign a pardon if recommended.
The board, which is appointed by the governor, announced its unanimous recommendation in a message posted on the agency website and Governor Abbott immediately followed it with the pardon.
Abbott’s demand for a review of Perry’s case followed pressure from former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who on national television had urged the Republican governor to intervene after the sergeant was convicted at trial in April 2022.
Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison after prosecutors used his social media history and text messages to portray him as a racist who may commit violence again.
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