United States Representative Anna Paulina Luna has called upon California Governor Gavin Newsom to free rapper Tory Lanez.
(PLGNN) - United States Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida's 13th congressional district is pushing for the release of rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 over an incident in 2020 where he shot rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the feet. Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 8, 2023, having been convicted of three felony charges: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, possession of a concealed, unregistered firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
On May 12, Lanez was stabbed 14 times by a fellow inmate while inside a California prison, an attack which caused both of his lungs to collaspe. He is expected to recover. Fellow rapper Drake shared a petition after the attack to pardon Lanez, and added the caption "Come home soon" to the post.
On May 19, Rep. Luna posted on X, saying, "I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanez’s case and issue a pardon. His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind— not driven by headlines. Free Tory Lanez."
The next day, Luna posted that, "We have compelling evidence proving Tory Lanez’s innocence, and it will be released within the next 36 hours. Those who rushed to call for his incarceration, and worse yet pushed false evidence, should prepare to be held accountable."
Rep. Luna continued posting about Lanez, saying, "Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years—despite having no prior record—largely due to a firearm enhancement law now under scrutiny for racial bias. Black defendants face a 92% higher rate of this enhancement. That’s not justice. That’s discrimination." and followed up the post with "Tory Lanez’s defense was denied full access to DNA evidence. Entire samples were used up by the prosecution before defense testing. Reports weren’t shared until just before trial. That’s a violation of due process."
Anna Paulina Luna then posted a thread on the situation:
"Tory Lanez has filed a direct appeal, a habeas petition, and a successive habeas— all now consolidated by the California Court of Appeals. They have seated a panel. Oral arguments are coming. This case is far from over. Due process matters.
Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years—despite having no prior record—largely due to a firearm enhancement law now under scrutiny for racial bias. Black defendants face a 92% higher rate of this enhancement. That’s not justice. That’s discrimination.
The forensic evidence in the Lanez case was deeply flawed:
(PLGNN) - United States Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida's 13th congressional district is pushing for the release of rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 over an incident in 2020 where he shot rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the feet. Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 8, 2023, having been convicted of three felony charges: assault with a semi-automatic firearm, possession of a concealed, unregistered firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
On May 12, Lanez was stabbed 14 times by a fellow inmate while inside a California prison, an attack which caused both of his lungs to collaspe. He is expected to recover. Fellow rapper Drake shared a petition after the attack to pardon Lanez, and added the caption "Come home soon" to the post.
On May 19, Rep. Luna posted on X, saying, "I am calling on Gov. Newsom @CAgovernor to review Tory Lanez’s case and issue a pardon. His 10-year sentence was based on flawed evidence, political pressure, and prosecutorial bias. Justice must be blind— not driven by headlines. Free Tory Lanez."
The next day, Luna posted that, "We have compelling evidence proving Tory Lanez’s innocence, and it will be released within the next 36 hours. Those who rushed to call for his incarceration, and worse yet pushed false evidence, should prepare to be held accountable."
Rep. Luna continued posting about Lanez, saying, "Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years—despite having no prior record—largely due to a firearm enhancement law now under scrutiny for racial bias. Black defendants face a 92% higher rate of this enhancement. That’s not justice. That’s discrimination." and followed up the post with "Tory Lanez’s defense was denied full access to DNA evidence. Entire samples were used up by the prosecution before defense testing. Reports weren’t shared until just before trial. That’s a violation of due process."
Anna Paulina Luna then posted a thread on the situation:
"Tory Lanez has filed a direct appeal, a habeas petition, and a successive habeas— all now consolidated by the California Court of Appeals. They have seated a panel. Oral arguments are coming. This case is far from over. Due process matters.
Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years—despite having no prior record—largely due to a firearm enhancement law now under scrutiny for racial bias. Black defendants face a 92% higher rate of this enhancement. That’s not justice. That’s discrimination.
The forensic evidence in the Lanez case was deeply flawed:
– 0.01% chance his DNA was on the firearm
– 0% on the magazine
– No fingerprints
– DNA from 4 individuals found, Tory wasn’t a primary contributor
– Key gunshot residue tests never performed on others
This raises serious doubt.
Newly surfaced bodycam and medical records show Megan Thee Stallion initially claimed she stepped on glass. ER records show no bullet fragments on X-rays. Bullet fragments allegedly removed are now missing. Evidence handling was a disaster.
Under California’s Racial Justice Act and recent legislation limiting the use of rap lyrics and character evidence, Tory Lanez deserves a full review. His conviction was built on outdated and unconstitutional grounds.
Tory Lanez’s trial included:
Newly surfaced bodycam and medical records show Megan Thee Stallion initially claimed she stepped on glass. ER records show no bullet fragments on X-rays. Bullet fragments allegedly removed are now missing. Evidence handling was a disaster.
Under California’s Racial Justice Act and recent legislation limiting the use of rap lyrics and character evidence, Tory Lanez deserves a full review. His conviction was built on outdated and unconstitutional grounds.
Tory Lanez’s trial included:
– Prosecutorial misconduct
– Exclusion of mitigating factors
– Use of protected speech (rap lyrics, tattoos) as evidence
– Witness contradictions
– Immunity deals with unclear motives
This is not how justice is supposed to work.
Key witnesses changed their stories or contradicted themselves. One admitted in court she lied in a DA interview. Another gave a sworn statement that Harris admitted to firing the gun. This case deserves fresh eyes and full transparency.
Tory Lanez’s conviction and sentencing raise major constitutional concerns:
Key witnesses changed their stories or contradicted themselves. One admitted in court she lied in a DA interview. Another gave a sworn statement that Harris admitted to firing the gun. This case deserves fresh eyes and full transparency.
Tory Lanez’s conviction and sentencing raise major constitutional concerns:
– First Amendment (use of lyrics as evidence)
– Sixth Amendment (right to confrontation)
– Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection under racially biased enhancements)
These issues demand urgent review.
Justice isn’t served when due process is ignored, evidence is mishandled, and race plays a role in sentencing. Tory Lanez deserves a fair hearing—and if justice prevails, he deserves his freedom. Free Tory Lanez."
Rep. Luna then posted to X, saying that she "Just spoke with Tory Lanez from inside prison. Despite being stabbed multiple times, his spirit remains unbroken—and he’s deeply grateful for the opportunity to prove his innocence. The question now: When will @CAgovernor finally review the case and pardon him?"
In her next post, Luna wrote that, "Many people are wondering why Tory Lanez didn’t defend himself during the trial. The reason is that there was a gag order placed on him. Does that sound fair to you? What happened to his First Amendment right to freedom of speech? Free Tory Lanez."
Many people seem to be in support of freeing Lanez, and agree with Rep. Luna, however some are questioning why a Florida Congresswoman is attempting to push for the release of an individual who isn't from Florida and was put in prison in California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has not yet commented on the request from Rep. Luna.
Justice isn’t served when due process is ignored, evidence is mishandled, and race plays a role in sentencing. Tory Lanez deserves a fair hearing—and if justice prevails, he deserves his freedom. Free Tory Lanez."
Rep. Luna then posted to X, saying that she "Just spoke with Tory Lanez from inside prison. Despite being stabbed multiple times, his spirit remains unbroken—and he’s deeply grateful for the opportunity to prove his innocence. The question now: When will @CAgovernor finally review the case and pardon him?"
In her next post, Luna wrote that, "Many people are wondering why Tory Lanez didn’t defend himself during the trial. The reason is that there was a gag order placed on him. Does that sound fair to you? What happened to his First Amendment right to freedom of speech? Free Tory Lanez."
Many people seem to be in support of freeing Lanez, and agree with Rep. Luna, however some are questioning why a Florida Congresswoman is attempting to push for the release of an individual who isn't from Florida and was put in prison in California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has not yet commented on the request from Rep. Luna.
Tags:
Politics