Garrett Foster

Garrett Foster (1992 – July 25, 2020) was an American activist who gained attention in the media following his death during a protest against police brutality in Austin, Texas. Foster's death was surrounded by controversies and subsequently became a topic of discussion among various conspiracy theorists.

Foster, an Air Force veteran, was actively involved in the Black Lives Matter movement and regularly participated in protests. He was known for carrying a rifle during demonstrations, which he reportedly did for self-defense purposes while attending protests with his then-fiancée, Whitney Mitchell.

On the night of July 25, 2020, Foster was shot and killed by a motorist who drove into the crowd of protesters. The driver, Daniel Perry, claimed self-defense, asserting that Foster had pointed his rifle at him. The incident was captured on multiple videos, leading to widespread debate about the circumstances of the shooting. This controversy was further fueled by polarized opinions on the Second Amendment and the legality of open carry at protests.

In the aftermath of Foster's death, various conspiracy theories circulated on social media platforms, suggesting ulterior motives and casting doubts on the official accounts of the incident. Some narratives falsely claimed that Foster was part of orchestrated attacks against conservative gatherings or law enforcement.

The incident also caught the attention of far-right commentator Alex Jones. Jones discussed the incident on his show, framing it within a broader narrative of alleged left-wing violence and presenting it as an example of the dangers faced by drivers at protest sites. His coverage contributed to the spread of misinformation and speculative theories about Foster's death and his involvement in protests.

Despite the controversies and conspiracies, Garrett Foster is remembered by many as a committed activist advocating for social justice and racial equality.