Three men arrested in connection to Ahmaud Arbery’s death appeared in Georgia court to ask for bond during a preliminary hearing.
Gregory McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan have all been charged with felony murder for the death of Arbery, an unarmed black man who was fatally shot during a confrontation in late February, and attended the Thursday hearing via video conference.
The hearing comes a day after community and political leaders gathered at the Glynn County Courthouse to call for justice in Arbery’s case, according to CBS 46. Ralph Basham, former director of the Secret Service and head of the U.S. Border Patrol, condemned the death.
“We condemn the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and the senseless killing of Breonna Taylor,” he said. “As a nation, we are better than this.”
Video of Arbery’s death was leaked by a local attorney, setting off a maelstrom of anger over the shooting. The father and son were not arrested until after the release of the video on May 7. Bryan was arrested late last month.
Community leader Cedric King said they are ready to receive “anybody that wants to come into Glynn County” to demonstrate.
“But all of our 13 other protests up to this point have been very peaceful, and we would love for everyone to come in in peace and in love. That is what the Arbery family has asked for, and that’s what we are as a group of community leaders have asked for,” King added.
The McMichaels, who claimed they confronted Arbery because they thought he was a suspect in a string of alleged robberies in the neighborhood, have been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Bryan, who filmed the incident, was charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.
All three defendants remain jailed in Glynn County, and a judge will decide whether to allow them to go free on bond.
