70°
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued eight pardons for Texans on Dec. 23, with George Floyd controversially not being on the list despite the officer in his case subsequently falling into disgrace.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended that Floyd receive a pardon for a drug arrest in 2004. Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody over a year ago instigated national and global protests.
"Among the recommendations withdrawn was one concerning Floyd," Abbott's press secretary Renae Eze said. "The Board will review and resolve procedural errors and issues related to any pending applications in compliance with their rules. As a result of the Board's withdrawal of the recommendation concerning George Floyd, Gov. Abbott did not have the opportunity to consider it. Gov. Abbott will review all recommendations that the Board submits for consideration."
Abbott, is running for reelection for Texas governor next year. Abbott has not commented on if he would give Floyd a pardon following the state parole board's recommendation. The 2004 arrest of Floyd in Texas was made by Houston police officer Gerald Goines, who later faced charges connected with a failed drug raid on Harding Street, according to a report from ABC 13.
Goines was accused of gaining a search warrant by lying and more than 160 of drug convictions related to him have been overturned as a result, according to a report from Newsweek.
Floyd lived in Houston for most of his life before his death in Minnesota, according to a report from Newsweek. The reason for his 2004 drug arrest, for which he pled guilty, was selling a bag of crack cocaine for $10. He later performed a 10-month jail sentence for the offense.
Information on those who were pardoned by Abbott is featured on the governor's official website.