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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it has arrested Gregory McMichael, 64, and Travis McMichael, 34, for the February death of Ahmaud Arbery.
They were both charged with murder and aggravated assault. The McMichaels were taken into custody Thursday night booked into the Glynn County Jail, GBI said.
On February 23, Arbery, 25, was in the Satilla Shores neighborhood in Brunswick when both Gregory and Travis McMichael confronted Arbery with two firearms. During the encounter, Travis McMichael shot and killed Arbery.
PHOTOS: Two men arrested in Ahmaud Arbery’s death
On Friday afternoon, the McMichaels appeared before a judge in Glynn County. They will remain in custody until they appear before a superior court judge, where the conditions of release, if any, will be set.
GBI Director Vic Reynolds was asked Friday morning if more arrests are expected in the case and he said it remains an active and open investigation as they continue to look at all the evidence.
Investigators said they will look into everyone involved in the case, including the person who filmed the video, William Bryan. At this time, he has not been charged with a crime.
WATCH: GBI gives update on case regarding the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery
Witness says these are pictures of the arrest. pic.twitter.com/zQMG1zw2bM
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) May 8, 2020
Glynn County police requested GBI get involved on Tuesday. Tonight... two days later. Father and son arrested for murder of #AhmaudArbery @ActionNewsJax Story at 10 FOX30 11 CBS47 https://t.co/4pGVxHORwn
— John Bachman (@BachmanANjax) May 8, 2020
ORIGINAL STORY: Ahmaud Arbery case: Man killed in Brunswick in February, shooter not arrested
This case is being investigated in partnership with District Attorney Tom Durden.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp released the following statement via Twitter:
“I applaud GBI Director Vic Reynolds and his agents for their swift action. Justice will be served.”
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr released the following statement about the arrests:
"Gregory and Travis McMichael have been arrested this evening for the aggravated assault and the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. We are grateful the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken 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.”
S. Lee Merritt, the attorney for the Arbery family, said via Twitter that the investigation into William Bryan, the man who recorded the shooting of Arbery, is still underway.
Witness says these are pictures of the arrest. pic.twitter.com/zQMG1zw2bM
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) May 8, 2020
Timeline of events in the GBI investigation of Arbery’s death:
- On Tuesday, May 5, Durden formally requested the GBI investigate the death of Ahmaud Arbery. The Kingsland Office initiated an investigation on Wednesday, May 6.
- On April 29, the Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) requested that the GBI investigate allegations of threats against GCPD and individuals involved in the active investigation.
- On the morning of Tuesday, May 5, GCPD requested the GBI investigate the public release of video related to Arbery’s death.
These investigations are all active and ongoing. If anyone has information related to these cases, please contact the GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
RELATED LINKS:
- Ahmaud Arbery: Waycross District Attorney explains in letter why no one was arrested in 25-year-old’s shooting death
- 'It’s not something that I’ll want to see:’ Ahmaud Arbery’s mom won’t watch video showing his death
- Ahmaud Arbery: Neighbors want arrests, new District Attorney following deadly shooting
- Ahmaud Arbery: Video emerges of black jogger killed by 2 white men; case heads to grand jury
- Ahmaud Arbery case: Attorney for family of Glynn County man shot, killed said he expects arrest today
- Ahmaud Arbery case: Protesters gather in Brunswick after video showing man’s death is released online
- Ahmaud Arbery case: Man killed in Brunswick in February, shooter not arrested
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