The law enforcement veteran explains why this is a shining example in how Texas handles justice.
At a time when most other cities seem to lean on a questionable value of justice, Texas definitely has its heart in the right place.
According to USA Today, Gov. Greg Abbott has chosen to free Daniel Perry, a former Army sergeant, from prison. Perry was previously convicted of killing a Black Lives Matter protestor in Austin back in 2020, during the ongoing “defund the police” riots.
This comes after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended the release, based on a “meticulous review of pertinent documents, from police reports to court records, witness statements, and interviews with individuals linked to the case.”
Perry initially shot and killed protestor Garrett Foster after driving into a racial justice protest. However, he deems that the killing was in self-defense, as Foster was carrying an AK-47 rifle. That said, though, prosecutors believe his crime was due to confrontation. However, now that the wrongful conviction has been overturned, Foster is once again free.
“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,” Gov. Abbott said in a statement Thursday. “I thank the Board for its thorough investigation, and I approve their pardon recommendation.”
Joining us now to discuss this further is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Michael is President, Founder and CEO of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise in all things law and order make him a great guest for this subject. Welcome, Michael!
Q&A:
- What do you think about Gov. Abbott overturning Daniel Perry’s previous conviction for murder?
- Why do you think prosecutors were so quick to convict Perry in the first place? Could they have possibly believed in the Black Lives Matter or “defund the police” movements?
- Did Perry have a right to defend himself, especially against someone that was carrying an assault rifle during a protest?
- What does this say about the dangerous nature of protests, especially in today’s day and age?
- What’s probably the toughest part of trying to rebuild a life after being wrongfully convicted? Do you believe Perry’s life will ever get back to normal?
- Why are other states so determined to convict suspects based on the Black Lives Matter movement? Personal beliefs? Or something else?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- Where can we learn more about InVest USA, and how those interested can help their fellow officers.
- You can visit our official InVest USA website, and learn more on the official Invest USA Twitter account. You can also learn about my new initiative at RestoringJustice.US, where we discuss lawful issues surrounding citizens of the United States.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
