SHOCK REMARK
Ahmaud Arbery killing: Attorney Kevin Gough ‘doesn’t want any more black pastors’ like Al Sharpton who ‘intimidate’ jury
DEFENSE Attorney Kevin Gough said he "doesn't want any more black pastors" like Al Sharpton, who "intimidate" the jury in the trial of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery.
The tense discussion broke out on Thursday during the murder trial of the three white men accused of killing in February 2020.
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"If we're going to start a precedent, starting yesterday, where we're going to bring high-profile members of the African American community into the courtroom to sit with the family during the trial in the presence of the jury, I believe that's intimidating and it's an attempt to pressure ... or influence the jury," Gough said.
Defense attorney Gough represents one of the three defendants, William "Roddie" Bryan.
Sharpton and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Arbery's father, listened to testimony on Wednesday after holding a press conference and prayer vigil outside the courthouse.
At the prayer vigil, Sharpton called Arbery's killing "a lynching in the 21st century."
Sharpton, who Arbery's parents reportedly invited, also raised concerns about the jury's makeup failing to reflect the Black population of Glynn County, .
On Friday, before testimony began for the day, Gough apologized to the judge and jury about his comments regarding black pastors in the court.
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“My apologies to anyone who might have inadvertently been offended. I will let the court know that if my statements yesterday were overly broad, I will follow up with a more specific motion on Monday, putting those concerns in the proper context.”
Gough said he’d been “asked to address some comments” but did not elaborate on who had told him to.
The judge clarified the court hadn’t asked him to apologize.
'SELF-DEFENSE' CLAIMS
Bryan, along with Travis and Gregory McMichael, were trying to carry out a citizen's arrest when they chased and ambushed Arbery, 25, while he was jogging on a residential road in Georgia.
Travis argued he shot the 25-year-old in self-defense during a struggle with Arbery.
Gregory, an ex-cop, claimed in a police report that Arbery resembled a suspect wanted in relation to a string of break-ins, according to the .
The incident was filmed and showed Arbery running before shots were fired.
Arbery is then seen collapsing in the video.
Since the news of Arbery's death, many have called for justice for the slain man.
"My heart goes out to his family, who deserve justice and deserve it now," President Joe Biden tweeted.
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"Ahmaud Arbery. We know your name. May you rest in peace and know that we are fighting for you," actor Tracee Ellis Ross stated on Instagram.
A petition has also been started calling for .
Father, son, and friend CONVICTED in Ahmaud Arbery's murder sending cheers around courtroom
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