Gov. Greg Abbott announced on social media that he would pardon Army Sgt. Daniel Perry, who was found guilty of murder for shooting a protester during a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Austin in July 2020. Perry's defense team argued that he fired in self-defense. The jury found Perry guilty, and he faces up to life in prison. Abbott said that he is pushing for a pardon, but the state constitution limits him to recommend a pardon only on recommendation of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Abbott's announcement of possible pardon comes after FOX TV host Tucker Carlson criticized him for not recognizing the right of self-defense, and Kyle Rittenhouse, found not guilty in the death of two protesters in Wisconsin in 2020, expressed support for Perry on Twitter. Meanwhile, District Attorney Jose Garza's camp did not provide a comment on Abbott's move.