Conservatives were outraged in 2023 when Army Sgt. Daniel Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison over a shooting that many regarded as an act of self-defense.

However, those critics had reason to celebrate this past week after Texas Gov. Greg Abbot granted Perry a full pardon. 

Perry claimed that demonstrator pointed a rifle at him

Fox News noted that Perry's case began in the summer of 2020 when his car was surrounded by a mob of Black Lives Matter demonstrators.

Among them was Garrett Foster, who was carrying a rifle. Perry claimed that he opened fire after Foster pointed the weapon at him.

Although Abbott condemned Perry's conviction, state law prevented him from taking action before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles had completed its review.

He announced in a statement released on Thursday the Board had "recommended a Full Pardon and Restoration of Full Civil Rights of Citizenship."

Attorney: Perry is "optimistic for his future"

"Among the voluminous files reviewed by the Board, they considered information provided by the Travis County District Attorney, the full investigative report on Daniel Perry, plus a review of all the testimony provided at trial," Abbott explained.

"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," the governor continued before adding, "I thank the Board for its thorough investigation, and I approve their pardon recommendation."

Douglas K. O'Connell is Perry's defense attorney, and Fox News quoted him as saying that his client is "thrilled and elated to be free" and "optimistic for his future."

"He wishes that this tragic event never happened and wishes he never had to defend himself against Mr. Foster's unlawful actions," O'Connell stressed.

"At the same time, Daniel recognizes that the Foster family is grieving. We are anxious to see Daniel reunited with his family and loved ones," O'Connell concluded.

Kyle Rittenhouse says Perry was "betrayed"

Perry's case has long been a source of anger for conservatives, including Kyle Rittenhouse, who was himself acquitted in the shooting deaths of two rioters.

Sgt. Daniel Perry exercised his God given right to self defense.
He was wrongfully convicted and should have NEVER been put on trial.
Sgt. Perry served his country and his country betrayed him.#JusticeForPerry pic.twitter.com/TaEy3g7Wle

— Kyle Rittenhouse (@ThisIsKyleR) April 8, 2023

"Sgt. Daniel Perry exercised his God given right to self defense," Rittenhouse wrote in a social media post last year. "He was wrongfully convicted and should have NEVER been put on trial. Sgt. Perry served his country and his country betrayed him."