Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Exclusive: Daniel Perry Breaks Silence on Justice and Politics | 11.24.24

Introduction

In the November 24, 2024 episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into the controversial case of Daniel Perry, a former Army sergeant who was convicted of murder in 2023 and subsequently pardoned by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in May 2024. This exclusive interview marks Perry's first public statement following his pardon, wherein he accuses the district attorney of political targeting.

Background of Daniel Perry's Case

Daniel Perry, a 30-year-old former Army sergeant, was stationed outside Austin, Texas, in 2020 and worked as an Uber driver to supplement his income. On July 25, 2020, after dropping off a passenger, Perry found himself amidst a Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest where tensions were high, and several protesters were armed. According to Perry, the situation escalated when he was confronted by an armed individual.

Perry's Account of the Incident

In his recounting of the night, Perry stated:

“A guy jumped in front of my vehicle so I couldn't drive any further, and somebody threw a water bottle my windshield. That's when I honked my horn. They start rocking and shaking my car and banging on the fist and kicking it.” (00:53)

He described being approached by Garrett Foster, who was carrying a loaded AK47. Perry complied with Foster’s demands to roll down his window, despite being in a state of shock:

“I grabbed my revolver and I shot him.” (03:45)

Perry claimed he acted in self-defense after believing that Foster intended to kill him and that a second shooter had fired shots at his vehicle.

Trial and Controversies

The district attorney, Jose Garza, who is backed by George Soros, charged Perry with murder. The trial was fraught with controversy:

• Juror Misconduct: A juror printed and shared outside research with fellow jurors, leading the defense to seek a new trial. However, the judge sided with the prosecution, deeming the juror's actions permissible.

• Witness Tampering Allegations: Lead investigator Brent Fugit testified that Garza’s office tampered with evidence critical to Perry's defense:

  “I had no idea that the jury instruction was going to be as complicated as they were going to be.” (05:27)

• Exclusion of Police Testimony: Perry's defense was unable to present written documentation to the grand jury, and crucial police support was disallowed during the trial.

Perry expressed his feelings of betrayal and the personal toll the trial took on his life:

“I felt like I was betrayed by the American people... I broke up with my fiancée because I thought I was never going to see her again.” (06:02)

Pardon by Governor Abbott

After serving 13 months, Governor Greg Abbott granted Perry a full pardon, citing Texas' strong "stand your ground" laws that protect acts of self-defense. Abbott emphasized that these protections cannot be overridden by a jury or a "progressive district attorney." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton lauded the pardon, stating that prosecutors like Garza should not selectively enforce rights.

Perry credited his faith for sustaining him through his ordeal:

“I felt that God has answered my prayers... I felt like I was blessed, to be honest.” (07:11)

Aftermath and Accusations Against DA Jose Garza

Since his pardon, Perry has accused DA Garza of:

• Political Targeting: Alleging that Garza deliberately pursued his case for political reasons.

• Military Discharge Interference: Claiming Garza influenced his military discharge to ensure it was less than honorable, impacting his benefits and rank.

• Retaliatory Actions: The unsealing of private messages from Perry's phone, which the defense argues were taken out of context to tarnish his reputation, is seen as retaliation.

Perry expressed fear of ongoing retaliation:

“I am completely terrified, and I'm worried that they might retaliate... I'm not his only victim.” (09:40)

Comparisons to Other Cases

Perry highlighted the case of Austin police officer Christopher Taylor, who faced multiple indictments for deadly conduct during the 2020 BLM riots. Taylor's defense argues his actions were clearly in self-defense, similar to Perry’s situation. Perry drew parallels to underscore what he perceives as systemic injustice:

“The jury must be improperly considering the other unproven allegations made by the same anti-police DA.” (10:09)

Conclusion

Daniel Perry’s interview with Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo sheds light on his conviction, pardon, and the broader implications of his case on the justice system. Perry remains a vocal critic of DA Garza, asserting that his prosecution was politically motivated and part of a larger pattern of targeting law enforcement and ordinary citizens. With his next hearing scheduled for December, Perry emphasizes that speaking out is crucial to prevent further injustices.

End of Summary