Austin’s interim police chief criticized for draft pardon letter supporting convicted murderer

Austin’s interim police chief, Robin Henderson, is facing backlash over a letter she drafted requesting the pardon of Daniel Perry, a man convicted for the fatal shooting of protestor Garrett Foster during a demonstration in 2020.

The Controversial Pardon Plea

In an unusual move which has stirred controversy in Austin, Texas, Henderson drafted a letter supporting Perry, calling the controversial shooting incident a “justifiable homicide”. According to the draft letter, despite the guilty verdict from a Travis County jury, Perry should be freed as he had acted in self-defense when Foster, who was legally carrying an assault rifle, allegedly threatened him. Even though Henderson ultimately did not send the letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, the very act of drafting it has raised eyebrows among several city leaders.

Backlash from City Leaders

In reaction to the controversy, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement, “Whether the letter was sent is irrelevant. This is not an appropriate role for the Austin Police Department, and those words have no place on official letterhead.” This controversy has now cast a shadow over Henderson’s future as the police chief, with city leaders reconsidering their decision.

Support from National Police Association

Sgt. Betsy Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, is among those who have shown support for the interim chief. She defended Henderson’s move, saying, “This is all well within the confines of the justice system… There is a parole board. There is an opportunity for the Governor to get involved. So, this is not going against a jury,” she said.

The debate over Henderson’s role as Police Chief

Interim Assistant City Manager Bruce Mills released a statement stating that while the department did not condone the draft letter, given that it fell outside the police department’s role, Henderson’s decision not to send it was supported. The city’s new city manager, T.C. Broadnax, had recently lauded Henderson for her qualities, though the latest controversy has now fuelled speculation over her role as the permanent police chief.

This incident follows Governor Greg Abbott’s controversial decision to pardon Perry. While the governor’s move had already generated a storm of criticism, the ensuing controversy around the unsent letter has further deepened the city’s divisions. Going forward, this incident will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining future leadership within the city’s law enforcement.