Daniel Perry, the Army sergeant who was convicted for shooting a protester in Austin, Texas, has been granted a pardon by Texas governor Greg Abbott. The shooting occurred during protests against police brutality and racism in July 2020. Perry claimed that he acted in self-defense and shot protester Garrett Foster after Foster pointed his weapon at him. However, eyewitnesses disputed his account, and a jury found him guilty of murder.

The verdict and Perry’s subsequent pardon have sparked controversy and led to protests in Austin. Critics argue that Abbott’s decision is a sign of political favoritism, as Perry’s case was championed by right-wing media outlets and activists. Some have also pointed to Abbott’s longstanding feud with Soros-backed district attorney José Garza, who prosecuted Perry’s case.

Garza has criticized the pardon and suggested that it sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in the justice system. “This is not justice. This is politics,” he said in a statement. “There are real victims here who deserve justice and who have been denied that justice by Governor Abbott’s decision.”

The controversy surrounding Perry’s case is unlikely to die down anytime soon, as many activists and civil rights groups vow to keep protesting and advocating for justice. The case also highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters, as well as the broader societal debates around gun control and the role of the justice system in addressing systemic racism and inequality.