On February 23rd, a twenty-five-year-old man named Ahmaud Arbery was brutally murdered during his morning jog in a Georgia neighborhood. The tragic incident occurred after a former police officer George McMichael and his son Travis spotted Arbery and decided to stage an armed pursuit -- despite having no reason to do so. After Arbery spotted the truck approaching, a physical struggle broke out with Travis McMichael fatally shooting Ahmaud Arbery in broad daylight.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
In the subsequent police report, George McMichael claimed that he mistook Arbery for a burglary suspect. There have since been no charges laid on either of the McMichaels, and due to George's past involvement in law enforcement, some district attorneys have actually recused themselves from the case citing a conflict of interest.
Despite having transpired at the end of February, news of the murder has since gone viral, prompting a renewed focus on the search for justice. It didn't take long for many celebrities to weigh in with condolences and thoughts, with the legendary LeBron James stepping up with a powerful message to his fans and followers.
"We’re literally hunted EVERYDAY/EVERYTIME we step foot outside the comfort of our homes!" he writes. "Can’t even go for a damn jog man! Like WTF man are you kidding me?!?!?!?!?!? No man fr ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! I’m sorry Ahmaud(Rest In Paradise) and my prayers and blessings sent to the heavens above to your family!!"
While official charges have yet to be laid, a district attorney is expected to present the case to a grand jury once COVID-19-related protocols are lifted. Rest in peace Ahmaud Arbery.
[via]