Daniel Perry is sentenced to 25 years for killing an Austin protester. Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to pardon him.
Perry’s case has become an explosive political stew of arguments over gun rights, self-defense and racist social media posts. The governor dived in early, saying he would pardon Perry even before a judge handed down the sentence.
Army sergeant indicted on murder and aggravated assault charges after fatally shooting Austin protester Garrett Foster in 2020
Army Sgt. Daniel Perry shot and killed Foster, who was legally armed, after an altercation during a protest against police brutality last summer, police said. Perry argues it was in self defense.
Candlelight vigil held in San Antonio for Garrett Foster
Candlelight vigil held in San Antonio for Garrett FosterPublished: August 6, 2020, 7:25 amOrganizers held a candlelight vigil in San Antonio on Wednesday for Garrett Foster, the man shot last month during a protest against police brutality in Austin.
Candlelight vigil held in San Antonio for Garrett Foster
SAN ANTONIO Organizers held a candlelight vigil in San Antonio on Wednesday for Garrett Foster, the man shot last month during a protest against police brutality in Austin. Similar vigils and other forms of commemoration have taken place throughout the state following the death of Foster, who police say was shot after approaching a vehicle at the protest. Witnesses say 28-year-old Foster was carrying a rifle when another man drove toward a crowd of protestors. Related: 40 people arrested in Austin during weekend protestsThe man accused of shooting Foster is Sgt. Perrys attorneys say Foster raised the rifle toward Perry, and he acted out of fear for his own life.
40 people arrested in Austin during weekend protests
AUSTIN, Texas Forty people were arrested over two nights of weekend protests in Austin, police said Monday. Perry has not been charged, and Austin police have not named him as a suspect in their investigation. A call was put out Thursday by Austin officers asking the public to come forward if they had relevant information. U.S. Army sergeant who shot Austin protester Garrett Foster posted tweets about retaliating against demonstratorsAustin police renewed their plea Monday for any witnesses to the confrontation and shooting to come forth with what they saw. The Austin Police Department posted images on its social media of persons that detectives hope will provide statements.
Austin protesters clash with police in the wake of Garrett Foster's death
Armed protesters guard the memorial of Garrett Foster, who was shot and killed during a protest against police brutality in Austin on July 25, 2020. Last: A man with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder stands among protesters who have gathered at the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan VonderhaarFirst: Mounted officers from the Austin Police Department clash with protesters on the corner of Fourth Street and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneMembers of the far-right Proud Boys militia stand on Congress Avenue across from the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneA police officer sprays a protester with pepper spray as demonstrators clash with police in downtown Austin Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune
U.S. Army sergeant who shot Austin protester Garrett Foster posted tweets about retaliating against demonstrators
A vigil is created for Garrett Foster on July 27, 2020 in Austin. Marshall Tridick for the Texas TribuneThe man suspected of killing anti-police brutality protester Garrett Foster in Austin on Saturday has been identified as an active U.S. Army sergeant named Daniel Perry. Other witnesses at the scene dispute that Foster raised his weapon and said Perry seemed to use his car to instigate the violence. As people beat on his car, Perry said, Foster used the rifle to motion for him to roll his window down. But officials did not immediately respond to questions late Friday about Perrys military status or whether they are investigating the Austin incident.
For Austin officials investigating Garrett Fosters death, a key question may be which party acted in self-defense
People gathered for a vigil in honor of Garrett Foster in Austin this week. Whether the person who shot him faces criminal charges could hinge on the interpretation of a Texas self-defense law. But whether the unnamed driver faces criminal charges in Garrett Fosters death could hinge on which man police, prosecutors or a grand jury believes first provoked the other. Detectives need to consider whether Foster could have perceived the motorists actions as a threat, Bassett told The Texas Tribune. Sheila Foster, Garrett Fosters mother, and Whitney Mitchell, his fiance, could not be reached for comment this week.