The Travis County District Attorney General, known for his commitment to end the "prosecution of minorities and impoverished residents" in Texas, has criticized Governor Greg Abbott's promise to pardon Army Sergeant Daniel Perry. Sgt. Perry was convicted of fatally shooting a Black Lives Matter protester who pointed an AK-47 at him during a protest in the summer of 2020.
In response to Friday's ruling, District Attorney José Garza issued a statement praising the prosecution team's efforts and reiterating his dedication to bringing about change within the Texan justice system, particularly with regards to marginalized communities.
Governor Abbott announced via Twitter that he would be contacting the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles immediately following Friday's verdict with a recommendation that they expedite their consideration of whether or not they should grant clemency for Sgt. Perry:
DA Garza condemned Gov.Abbott’s decision as inappropriate interference into what should have been an impartial legal proceeding:
Critics argue that campaigns such as DA Garzá are often backed by wealthy donors like philanthropist George Soros - whose support can lead district attorneys' offices down partisan paths rather than focusing strictly on delivering justice without bias.
This sentiment is echoed by groups like the Texas Justice and Safety PAC, which has also criticized other Soros-backed DA campaigns for perceived bias in their prosecutorial agendas. The Texas Justice and Safety PAC argues that such political influence should have no place within the criminal justice system.
As Sgt. Perry awaits a decision from the Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding his potential pardon, this case continues to generate debate about impartiality within both local politics and the broader American legal landscape.