The two white men who shot and killed a black man jogging through their neighborhood in February have been arrested and charged with murder.
Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis McMichael, 34, were both charged after footage showed them following 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery in their truck, before shooting him dead. The McMichael’s had previously claimed that they believed Arbery to be a burglar, and that they were acting in self-defense.
The horrifying incident took place in Brunswick, on Georgia’s southern coast, as Arbery was out running. The McMichael’s have been taken into custody and will be booked in Glynn County Jail.
*Warning – Footage below may be distressing to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
Videos of the shooting hit the internet this week, prompting outrage around the world. Many questioned the fact that the McMichaels were still free men, leading to authorities announcing on Tuesday that the case would be reviewed by a grand jury.
A Glynn County police report of the incident cites Gregory McMichael as telling police he had seen Arbery “hauling ass” on the street after a number of break-ins in the neighborhood. Gregory then called his son and told him: “the guy is running down the street, let’s go.”
Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr thanked the the state’s Bureau of Investigation in a statement Thursday evening for what he called “quick and decisive action.”
“This tragedy cannot be undone, but this is the first step in what I am confident will be a swift road to justice,” Carr said.
My heart bleeds to read this story. Rest in peace, Ahmaud, you will never be forgotten young man.
I can only hope swift justice will be brought in this case, and that those responsible of hideous wrong-doing will be punished accordingly.
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