An unexpected motion stunned the courtroom on Thursday during the trial for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick.
Defense attorney Kevin Gough, who is representing defendant William “Roddie” Bryan, suggested the Arbery family should not be able to have any more black pastors coming in and supporting them, even though he admitted he didn’t realize the Rev. Al Sharpton joined the family until court ended Wednesday night.
The killing of Ahmaud Arbery, trial updates
“And if their pastor’s Al Sharpton right now, that’s fine. But that’s it. We don’t want any more Black pastors coming in here,” Gough said.
Sharpton said in a statement that Gough’s remarks showed “arrogant insensitivity.”
Gough’s request to Judge Timothy Walmsley stunned those inside and outside the courtroom, drawing immediate scorn on social media.
“We want to keep politics out of this case, so I’m asking the court to take appropriate steps to make sure that the gallery, which is already limited in this case, isn’t being utilized for a purpose that could be viewed as improper,” Gough said.
Timeline: The investigation into the killing of Ahmaud Arbery
Gough suggested the presence of nationally recognized pastors could be seen as intimidating or pressuring. Other attorneys quickly responded.
“It’s a reminder of the court’s previous instructions to keep outside influence out,” Bob Rubin, defense for Travis McMichael, said.
“It’s a public courtroom and I have no idea how Reverend Al Sharpton appeared to be … So, the state has no part in that whatsoever,” prosecutor Linda Dunikoski said.
PHOTOS: Trial of Ahmaud Arbery’s killing
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Defendant Travis McMichael looks on during his trial and of William "Roddie" Bryan and Gregory McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga., Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Defendant William "Roddie" Bryan looks on as the prosecutors make their final rebuttal before the jury begins deliberations in the trial of William "Roddie" Bryan, Travis McMichael and Gregory McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga., Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Prosecutors Linda Dunikoski and Larissa Ollivierre stand during the trial of William "Roddie" Bryan, Travis McMichael and Gregory McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga., Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Defendant Gregory McMichael looks on during his trial and of William "Roddie" Bryan and Travis McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga., Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael sits with his attorneys before the start of closing arguments to the jury during the trial of he, and his father Greg McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks with attorneys before the start of closing arguments during the trial of he, and his son Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Ahmaud Arbery's mother Wanda Cooper-Jones, left, along with her attorney Lee Merritt, center, listens to William "Roddie" Bryan's defense attorney Kevin Gough present his closing statement to the jury during the trial of he and Travis McMichael, and his father, Gregory McMichael, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Dozens of Black Lives Matter and Black Panther protesters gather outside the Glynn County Courthouse where the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan is held, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Dozens of Black Lives Matter and Black Panther protesters gather outside the Glynn County Courthouse where the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan is held, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Dozens of Black Lives Matter and Black Panther protesters gather outside the Glynn County Courthouse where the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan is held, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Jason B. Sheffield presents a closing argument to the jury during the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael sits with his attorney before the start of closing arguments to the jury during the trial of he, and his son Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Trial of Travis McMichael, George McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski presents a closing argument to the jury during the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Stephen B. Morton/AP Photo, File)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan's defense attorney Kevin Gough presents a closing statements to the jury during the trial of he and Travis McMichael, and his father, Gregory McMichael, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Kevin Gough addresses the court during the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Dozens of Black Lives Matter and Black Panther protesters gather outside the Glynn County Courthouse where the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan is held, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Jason B. Sheffield presents a closing argument to the jury during the trial of Travis McMichael, his father, Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three men are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Kevin Gough speaks during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Travis McMichael looks on during during his trial at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Kevin Gough speaks during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, walks with Ahmaud Arbery's mother Wanda Cooper-Jones, right, at an event outside the Glynn County Courthouse, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Jackson's appearance in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan prompted defense attorney Kevin Gough to object to his presence in court. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Greg McMichael listens to proceedings during the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Al Sharpton, second from right, flanked by Ahmaud Arbery's parents, Wanda Cooper-Jones, left, and Marcus Arbery, right, speaks to over nearly 750 pastors, supporters and family of Ahmaud Arbery gathered outside the Glynn County Courthouse during a Wall of Prayer event, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Last week Sharpton's attendance in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan prompted defense attorney Kevin Gough to object to his presence and other Black pastors in court. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
APTOPIX Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Annie Polite, 87, of Brunswick, Ga., walks with her walker in front of a protest march as part of a Wall of Prayer event outside the Glynn County Courthouse, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The Rev. Al Sharpton organized the event after defense attorney Kevin Gough to objected to the presence of Black pastors in the courtroom. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Pastor Jamal Bryant, second from the right, leads a group prayer for to nearly 750 pastors, supporters and family of Ahmaud Arbery gathered outside the Glynn County Courthouse during a Wall of Prayer event, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Last week Sharpton's attendance in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan prompted defense attorney Kevin Gough to object to his presence and other Black pastors in court. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorneys Kevin Gough, right, and Laura Hogue speak during a break in the trial of the killers of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, lower right, are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Travis McMichael testifies under cross-examination by prosecutor Linda Dunikoski at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga. . Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael, and a neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Pastor Jamal Bryant, bottom center, leads a group prayer for to nearly 750 pastors, supporters and family of Ahmaud Arbery gathered outside the Glynn County Courthouse during a Wall of Prayer event, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Last week Sharpton's attendance in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan prompted defense attorney Kevin Gough to object to his presence and other Black pastors in court. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial A spectator raises her hands in prayer during a Wall of Prayer event outside the Glynn County Courthouse, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The event was organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton after defense attorney Kevin Gough object the presence Black pastors in the courtroom sitting next to Ahmaud Arbery's parents. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Greg McMichael listens to testimony during his trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
APTOPIX Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Civil rights activist Porchse Miller of Atlanta shouts into a megaphone during march that followed the Wall of Prayer event outside the Glynn County Courthouse, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The Rev. Al Sharpton organized the event after defense attorney Kevin Gough to objected to the presence of Black pastors in the courtroom. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Martin Luther King III, center, speaks to a crowd of nearly 750 pastors, supporters and family of Ahmaud Arbery during a Wall of Prayer event outside the Glynn County Courthouse , Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. King was joined by the Rev. Al Sharpton, left, and Ahmaud Arbery's father Marcus Arbery, left. Inside the courthouse the trial of trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan continues during the event. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Travis McMichael testifies under cross-examination by prosecutor Linda Dunikoski during the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael, his son Travis, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shares evidence during the trial of the killers of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant William "Roddie" Bryan listens to court proceedings during the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Protesters stand outside the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga., during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins) (Jeffrey Collins)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Hundreds of pastors rally during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan outside the Glynn County Courthouse, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, sits with Wanda Cooper-Jones, mother of Ahmaud Arbery, during the trial of Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael, and a neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Satilla Shores resident Brook Perez testifies during the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Travis McMichael testifies during his trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael, and a neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan are charged charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael's defense attorney Jason B. Sheffield glances at the defense table while questioning his client on the witness stand during the trial of Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael's wife, Leigh McMichael, left, and her husband's Greg McMichael's attorney Laura Hogue, right, reacts during a recess during the trial Travis McMichael, his father and William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
APTOPIX Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael reacts to questions during his testimony in the trial of he and his father Greg McMichael and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael speaks from the witness stand during his trial Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. McMichael, his father Greg McMichael and their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael wipes his eyes during a recess in the testimony of his son Travis McMichael during their trial and trial of their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael wipes his eyes during a recess in the testimony of his son Travis McMichael during their trial and trial of their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks with attorney Jason B. Sheffield, right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael's wife, Leigh McMichael stands in the courtroom during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski asks for evidence be brought into the courtroom during Dr. Edmund R. Donoghue's testimony, in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center right, puts his arm around Ahmaud Arbery's father, Marcus, in a news conference during a break of the trial of three men charged with killing Arbery taking place at the Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick, Georgia, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. A judge denied a defense attorney's request to kick Jackson out of the courtroom. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins) (Jeffrey Collins)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows a photo shotgun pellets removed from the body of Ahmaud Arbery during medical examiner Dr. Edmund R. Donoghue's testimony, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Black and white pastors have set up a tent and are asking for prayers during the trial over the death of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick, Georgia, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. A call by a defense attorney to kick Black pastors out of the courtroom angered the community. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins) (Jeffrey Collins)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows a photo of the bloody tee shirt with a large hole in it during Dr. Edmund R. Donoghue testimony, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael, center, listens to his attorney Bob Rubin, right, during his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks with attorney Jason B. Sheffield, right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael, center, listens to his attorney Bob Rubin, right, during his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Travis McMichael Travis McMichael, center, listens to his attorney Bob Rubin, right, during his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool, File)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows evidence to members of the defense during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son Travis McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Dr. Edmund R. Donoghue, right, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Forensic Pathology Specialist, examines shotgun pellets entered into evidence during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan, center, listens to proceedings during his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Bryan, Greg McMichael along with his son Travis McMichael are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Kevin Gough argues a point during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Ahmaud Arbery's mother Wanda Cooper-Jones reacts to autopsy photos entered into evidence during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael looks at the gallery during the testimony of his son, Travis McMichael's in the trial of he, his son and William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Firearms expert Brian Leppard with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shows the jury where one of the wounds happened to Ahmaud Arbery during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Firearms expert Brian Leppard with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation demonstrates how to fire a 12-gage Remington pump shotgun as part of his testimony during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Firearms expert Brian Leppard with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shows the jury a 12-gage shotgun shell as part of evidence during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson enters the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga. Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 where he attended the morning session of the trial of three men accused of murder in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery, left, walks in with Jackson. Marcus Arbery, the father of slain jogger Ahmaud Arbery, applauds as the Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks in front of the Glynn County Courthouse. (Terry Dickson/The Brunswick News via AP) (Terry Dickson)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Firearms expert Brian Leppard with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation examines a 12-gage Remington pump shotgun as part of evidence during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, sits with Ahmaud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, center, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
APTOPIX Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, listens to Ahmaud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows an image from a video showing Ahmaud Arbery, left, stumbling to the ground near Travis McMichael, right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, holds hands with Marcus Arbery, center, father of Ahmaud Arbery, left, Ahmaud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson enters the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga. Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 where he attended the morning session of the trial of three men accused of murder in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery, left, walks in with Jackson. Marcus Arbery, the father of slain jogger Ahmaud Arbery, applauds as the Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks in front of the Glynn County Courthouse. (Terry Dickson/The Brunswick News via AP) (Terry Dickson)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael. center, sits next to his attorney during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan, center, sits next to his attorney Kevin Gough, left, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Rev. Jesse Jackson, center, sits with Ahmaud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, center right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Reverend Al Sharpton of the National Action Network holds a news conference at the Glynn County courthouse during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Lewis M. Levine) (Lewis M. Levine)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial Family attorney Benjamin Crump, right, speaks as Marcus Arbery, second from right, his former wife Wanda Cooper, left, and the Rev. Al Sharpton listen outside the Glynn County courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Rev. Sharpton led a prayer and spoke out against injustice during the noon break in the trial of three men charged with murder in Ahmaud Abery's shooting death. (AP Photo/Lewis M. Levine Coastal (Lewis M. Levine)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial The father and mother of Ahmaud Arbery, their lawyers, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Brunswick Mayor Cornell Harvey and others face a huge crowd of reporters outside the Glynn County courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Rev. Sharpton led a prayer and spoke out against injustice during the noon break in the trial of three men charged with murder in Ahmaud Abery's shooting death. (Terry Dickson/The Brunswick News via AP) (Terry Dickson)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial The Reverend Al Sharpton of the National Action Network holds a news conference at the Glynn County courthouse during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Lewis M. Levine) (Lewis M. Levine)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial Ahmaud Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery, right, wipes his eyes alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton center, as Lee Merritt, left, one the family's lawyers speaks outside the Glynn County courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Rev. Sharpton led a prayer and spoke out against injustice during the noon break in the trial of three men charged with murder in Ahmaud Abery's shooting death. (Terry Dickson/The Brunswick News via AP) (Terry Dickson)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial Rev. Al Sharpton, right, and Barbara Arnwine, founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, rest their hands on Marcus Arbery's shoulder as Lee Merritt, left, one of the Arbery family's lawyers, speaks about the slain Ahmaud Arbery outside the Glynn County courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Rev. Sharpton led a prayer and spoke out against injustice during the noon break in the trial of three men charged with murder in Ahmaud Abery's shooting death. (Terry Dickson/The Brunswick News via AP) (Terry Dickson)
Ahmaud Arbery-Georgia Trial Marcus Arbery, right, applauds as his former wife Wanda Cooper speaks about the slaying of their son Ahmaud Arbery as Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton stands between them outside the Glynn County courthouse, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Rev. Sharpton led a prayer and spoke out against injustice during the noon break in the trial of three men charged with murder in Ahmaud Abery's shooting death. (Terry Dickson/The Brunswick News via AP) (Terry Dickson)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael, left, listens to his attorney Robert Rubin during a recess in his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael along with his father Greg McMichael and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows a video of Ahmaud Arbery walking through a house under construction during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Glynn County Police Department Investigative Detective Parker Marcy sits on the witness stand during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael listens to his attorney Robert Rubin before the start of his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael along with his father Greg and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Franklin Hogue, left, and prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, right, talk before the trial of Greg McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan starts in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Three white men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, who was chased and shot Feb. 23, 2020, after he was spotted running in a neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley responds to an objection by the prosecution during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael, center, sits with his attorney Laura Hogue, left, before the start of his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael along with his son Travis and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael, center, listens to arguments during the trial of himself, his son Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Ahmaud Arbery's father Marcus Arbery, center, and his attorney Benjamin Crump, left, leave the Glynn County Courtroom during the trial of during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of his son 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Kevin Gough argues an objection during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski argues a point during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael speaks to his attorney Robert Rubin during his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael along with his father Greg McMichael and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan, center, waits for the trial of he and Greg McMichael and Travis McMichael to start in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Three white men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, who was chased and shot Feb. 23, 2020, after he was spotted running in a neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Glynn County Police Officer Jeff Brandeberry sits on the witness stand during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows a photo of defendant Travis McMichael during the trial of he and his father Greg McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley addresses an objection by the defense during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan, center, listens to arguments during the trial of he, Greg McMichael and Travis McMichael in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Franklin Hogue, left, and prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, right, talk before the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan starts in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Three white men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, who was chased and shot Feb. 23, 2020, after he was spotted running in a neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, left, questions Glynn County Police Department Investigative Detective Parker Marcy, right, about his investigation during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael's attorney Jason B. Sheffield, center, questions Glynn County Police Department Investigative Detective Parker Marcy, right, during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Franklin Hogue speaks with other defense attorney's during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael's attorney's Robert Rubin, left, and Jason B. Sheffield, right, talk during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Franklin Hogue, left, and prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, right, talk before the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan starts in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Three white men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, who was chased and shot Feb. 23, 2020, after he was spotted running in a neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael, center, sits with his attorney Laura Hogue, left, before the start of his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael along with his son Travis and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski discusses a question with the defense team during the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Greg McMichael, right, sits with his attorney's Laura Hogue, center, and Franklin Hogue, left, before the start of his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael along with his son Travis and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael listens to his attorney Robert Rubin before the start of his trial in the Glynn County Courthouse, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Travis McMichael along with his father Greg and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, Pool) (Stephen B. Morton)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Former Glynn County Police Officer Ricky Minshew points out defendant Travis McMichael during the trial for the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are charged with the February 2021 death of 25-year-old Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Glynn County Police Sgt. Shelia Ramos testifies during the trial for the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are charged with the February 2021 death of 25-year-old Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, right, and defense attorney Franklin Hogue communicate during the trial of Greg McMichael, his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Travis McMichael stands as the jury enters the room at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021 in Brunswick, Ga. McMichael is charged with the February 2021 shooting death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Trial Of Ahmaud Arbery Killers Continues In Brunswick, Georgia BRUNSWICK, GA - NOVEMBER 8: Prosecutor Paul Camarillo carries the shotgun used in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery at the Glynn County Courthouse on November 8, 2021 in Brunswick, Georgia. Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are charged with the February 2021 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Wanda Cooper-Jones, mother of Ahmaud Arbery, talks with the media outside the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are on trial for murder and other crimes in the February 2020 slaying of her 25-year-old son. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Judge Timothy Walmsley, center, hears from defense attorney Jason Sheffield, left, and prosecutor Larissa Ollivierre during the trial of Greg McMichael, his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant Greg McMichael listens to an attorney during his trial at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are on trial for murder and other crimes in the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant William "Roddie" Bryan listens to an attorney as police body camera footage is shown during trial at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael and his son Travis McMichael and their neighbor Bryan are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorneys Jason Sheffield, left, and Robert Rubin talk during a break in trial at the Glynn County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Greg McMichael and his son Travis McMichael and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Laura Hogue communicates with her co-counsel during the trial of Greg McMichael, his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The men are on trial for murder and other crimes in the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defendant William "Roddie" Bryan reacts as his cell phone video of the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery is played during his trial for Arbery's death at the Glynn County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. Bryan, Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael are on trial for murder and other crimes for the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Arbery. (Sean Rayford/Pool Photo via AP) (Sean Rayford)
Ahmaud Arbery Juror Challenges Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Juror Challenges Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Juror Challenges Defense attorney Kevin Gough speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Robert Rubin speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Kevin Gough listens to opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Gregory McMichael listens to opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Franklin Hogue listens to opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski speaks during opening statementsin the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan listens to opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Gregory McMichael sits during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Travis McMichael listens to opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (OCTAVIO JONES)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Gregory McMichael sits next to his attorney Laura Hogue during the trial of William "Roddie" Bryan, himself and his son Travis McMichael, who are charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Gwynn County Superior Court, at the Gwynn County Superior Court, in Brunswick, Ga., Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Robert Rubin speaks during the trial of William "Roddie" Bryan, Travis McMichael and Gregory McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Gwynn County Superior Court, in Brunswick, Ga., Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Kevin Gough speaks during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Evidence is played on a screen during opening statements in the trial of Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, and a neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan at the Glynn County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga. The three are charged with the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial Defense attorney Robert Rubin speaks during the trial of William "Roddie" Bryan, Travis McMichael and Gregory McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Gwynn County Superior Court, in Brunswick, Ga., Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Ahmaud Arbery Georgia Trial William "Roddie" Bryan looks on during the trial of himself and Travis McMichael and Gregory McMichael, who are charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, at the Gwynn County Superior Court, in Brunswick, Ga., Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Pool Photo via AP) (Octavio Jones)
Gough continued on.
“If a bunch of folks came in here dressed like Colonel Sanders with white masks sitting in the back, that wouldn’t be allowed,” Gough said.
The court had already ruled the only way someone would be barred from the courtroom is if they became a distraction.
“The fact that no one else even noticed he was in there means that everyone else complied with this court’s ruling,” Walmsley said.
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Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson, who has years of experience in the courtroom, said how well-known someone is shouldn’t keep them from coming into a courtroom.
“Someone’s notoriety really shouldn’t have any impact on whether they come into the courtroom or not,” Carson said. “This is a public trial. So what that means as part of the safety of a public trial is there’s going to be a fair outcome. So people in the gallery are free to come and go as long as they don’t disrupt the court proceedings.”
Outside the courthouse, civil rights leaders called Gough out as soon as they heard.
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“I think Gough has a race problem,” Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition said.
Others pointed out how isolated Gough’s argument was.
“There’s not just Black pastors that are here. There are rabbis that are here, there are white pastors that are here, if he’s not indicating that they are intimidating to the jury? That they are just providing faith and support for the family,” Daryl Jones of the Transformative Justice Coalition said.
Arnwine, representing Arbery’s father Marcus, said each Black pastor who is at the courthouse serves a purpose.
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“All of these people, pastors, are praying with the family, talking with the family, speaking out for the family ... That is their right,” Arnwine said.
Walmsley quickly shut Gough’s suggestion down.
“I am not going to blanketly exclude members of the public from this courtroom,” Walmsley said.
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Gough didn’t file an official motion but did tell the court he would if he saw the presence of Black pastors as an issue. But their presence is not stopping -- the Transformative Justice Coalition said next week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson would be joining the family in Brunswick.
Gough said Friday in court “my apologies to those who may have inadvertently been offended” by his remarks.
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