Georgia

Rev. Sharpton, other civil rights leaders join Arbery family as 4th day of murder trial closes

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — National attention focused once again Wednesday on South Georgia as the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery closed another day of testimony.

Chants of ‘Justice for Ahmaud’ have rung out across the courthouse lawn every day, but they were joined by prayers on Wednesday.

The Rev. Al Sharpton and others joined the Arbery family outside as jurors listened to more testimony inside.

Surrounded by national civil rights leaders and attorneys, Arbery’s family stood outside the courthouse, praying and insisting that America was watching what happens in the coastal Georgia town.

“My boy got killed because of skin color. Lynched,” Arbery’s father, Marcus Arbery Sr., said.

Greg and Travis McMichael, and Roddie Bryan are accused of chasing and boxing in Arbery as he was jogging.

Travis McMichael shot Arbery in what the men claim was an attempted citizen’s arrest.

“Not only are those three on trial, but Georgia Law is on trial,” Sharpton said.

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Late Wednesday afternoon, the jury heard the 911 call from Greg McMichael.

Prosecutors say the McMichaels chased Arbery because he was Black, and Bryan helped the McMichaels corner Arbery.

Bryan’s attorney tried to counter that with the case’s first lead investigator.

“Did you see anything out there that day that would indicate aggressive driving?” the attorney asked former Glynn County detective Stephan Lowrey.

“Not that I recall,” Lowrey said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation would later charge all three men after video recorded by Bryan became public.

“We got to make this thing right. This time, let’s make it right so we can move on,” Arbery Sr. said.

The man who first called authorities about Arbery being in the neighborhood the day he was shot now says he’s been threatened, has safety concerns and has regrets about making that call.

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