OPENING STATEMENTS: Travis McMichael's lawyer says his client acted in self-defense | COURT TV

THE KILLING OF AHMAUD ARBERY: The defense for #TravisMcMichael was first to give their opening statement.
McMichael’s lawyer said he was acting in self-defense on the day #AhmaudArbery was killed.
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[@MOEWETTA23]

The attorney going down his resume just shows even more so that he knew what he was doing when he murdered Ahmaud

[@nancyfahey7518]

Too bad he wasn't taught common sense with all that training.

[@badgersandpackers5132]

He thought is was common sense in Georgia to hunt down an unarmed black and kill him.

[@lupegonzales9591]

He is who he is and training would make no difference, his family taught him to be like they are and now they have to pay the ultimate price and everyday suffer and not have home cooking and see there grandson/son grow up hopefully the people in that town stop being hateful towards people they know nothing about, the women that he had as friends testify did nothing to help him. They were all treated different in that town because even those cops were not fair and I'm glad the jury got it right.

[@lupegonzales9591]

His parents trained him to the end he his dad Told him to get the shotgun, and his son did the deed his dad set the whole thing up and failed his son, they will eat those words of hate, and die alone.

[@berniecolling3697]

No more holidays with the family. The McMichael's and Bryan got what they deserve. Life in prison where they can rot.

[@dawncampbell1284]

Exactly!

[@Zxx459]

How does one DESCALATE THE SITUATION POINTING A GUN AT YOU? This is called PROVOCATION

[@latonyastewart737]

Roddy says it best " we probably shouldn't have been chasing him"

[@lupegonzales9591]

He should haveminded his own business not follow the people he didn't even know but he THOUGHT that Ahmaud did something to the Mc micheals because they made it seem that way, they were the ones probably stealing to pin it on ahmaud. So now there criminals not cops.

[@lupegonzales9591]

You think ? Roddy did it to himself, because he Assumed that cause he's black automatically he was guilty, well look who is the quilty one, and went to prison. He had that sad frown upside down smile, he messed up big time by being so hateful. Paying for his actions. and his lawyer should have gone with him.

[@Khadijah459]

Absolutely that's why it's so sick He put "whiteness" over his common sense

[@lour9348]

Is attorney reading Travis' resume?! Who cares of his prior training. The man killed an unarmed man FOR NO REASON

[@dkestiny8073]

So if someone attacks you. Punch your face many times and try to take your gun and use it against you. Then defending yourself is for no reason? You people are crazy

[@lour9348]

@@dkestiny8073 well, let's see ... I'm home minding my business. I don't get attacked, I don't get punched and no one tries to take away my gun - hence, because I was home minding my business, no need to defend myself .. from someone outside jogging.

[@nicoleholley7049]

Well if we can have citizens arrest we don't need police!

[@charlesljones2454]

@@dkestiny8073 wow .....you left out everything the McMichaels did prior to the shooting .....was it okay for them to threaten to blow his effin head off .....cut him off as he tried to avoid them .....for Roddy Bryan to cut him off and even bump him with his truck ......and point a shotgun at him for no reason ......you're crazy .....you think people can initiate an incident then claim self defense .....it doesn't work that day.

[@brimstonethewolf2020]

@@dkestiny8073they ran out of their house chased him down for 5 minutes with trucks, then Travis got out of his truck and drew his shotgun on Mr. Arbery when he was several feet away, and shot him first before Arbery ever touched Travis. It was their prejudice, speculating assumptions that made them chase and kill this man. Why can’t folks like you understand that? I have a theory why.

[@meetupspeakup4161]

Focus on the attorney words: Muscle training: But the three men did not use muscle 💪 force. they used a shot gun

[@lovepet4565]

Yup. They ran down and hunted a innocent man A black man Period. My oldest was in USCG He has never ever made citizens arrest in his neighborhood or shot some one And he ended up a Captain in NOOA

[@marwanmarz9851]

After the felony assault with a vehicle × 2

[@meetupspeakup4161]

@@lovepet4565 Although you're speaking facts It sounds like the young man had a disability. Disability individuals will wander at night. But the killers only saw him as a thief . The prosecution need to put the young man medical records.

[@marwanmarz9851]

@@meetupspeakup4161 what a stupid point! Wandering is not crime, even if he stole these 3 white supremacist should not become a Lynch mob. His medical history and even drug use are not admissible because they're irrelevant because they, the white supremacist killers did not know any of that when they started chasing him

[@dylannewsome7199]

@@lovepet4565 lmao “innocent”

[@drneil55859]

Sounds like from the statement of Travis's attorney he should have known better then to do this.

[@suPerSticK3r]

Exactly 💯

[@Valicroix]

Excellent observation.

[@mariaserra8092]

Agreed!

[@michaelbrown5456]

Do worry this is trying to insult the integrity of the jury, now he wants to argue with the judge he sounds stupid,Travis guilty on all counts

[@hollihendricks8017]

A duty to himself?! Definitely wouldn't have started with that. Geez

[@humblemomo5444]

Right

[@Khadijah459]

Lol..

[@kathywedzik4905]

AA was under no obligation to stop talk to them about anything. They should've waited for police.

[@johngillon6969]

i am kind of glad this attorney is such a lunatic. it should make it easier for the jury to convict. i think this attorney must be a member of the KKK.

[@musicsallangos9339]

They never called the policy during the entire chasing. They called 911 only at the very end. They were clearly not waiting for the police to arrive.

[@nicoleholley7049]

If they let him go home they would know where he was.

[@barbarablake2357]

Why call the police? For what? That would not have ended well, either. Always willing to call the police on the BC for no good reason.

[@sandrabreedlove3661]

​@@barbarablake2357I that's what I say call cops for what there a guy in the streets

[@lm406]

Keep telling us how Travis had enough training to know better.

[@johngillon6969]

Wow seems i am in another dimension, listening to this guy. Is this maniac trying to convince rational folks that this was a justified kill?

[@roxannemoser]

Hey lawyer. Travis didn't detain Ahmaud. He killed him.

[@fabf7133]

He killed him because he tried to grab his gun. No doubt if he surrendered he 'd have been detained and alive

[@jsmith034086]

@@fabf7133 would you try to grab it if someone hunted you down? You can't hunt someone down then cry self defense.

[@Japs_Eye_Of_The_Tiger]

grabbed his gun, case dismissed.

[@Armed-Forever]

pewpewdie after he pointed it ... u can't start the story where it fits ur narrative

[@eternity7477]

@@fabf7133 Nope. He killed him because Ahmaud was trying not to get shot.

[@SuperJ1109]

48:00 er Ahmad KNEW as black man in AmEriCa if three white men in a pick up truck pull up to you and ask ‘what you doing boy?’ YOU RUN and you run as fast as your legs can carry you until you can’t run no more - you RUN FOR YOUR DAMN LIFE

[@dtrez3866]

Please explain how someone who is "running for the life", has the entire road ahead clear, with the supposed threat behind them, decides to do a uturn, run back past Roddy's truck, putting himself inbetween Roddy's truck and the mcmichael's parked vehicle, continue running heat looks like 200 yards towards a man armed with a shotgun? I just watched the full video. Ahmaud had the road ahead clear with the mcmichael's and Roddy behind him, but then turns around, runs towards then past Roddy and continues to run like 200 metres towards travis. How on earth can anyone say ahmaud was running for his life? There were woods literally right there where vehicles cannot follow. If you are "running for your life" you run away from the threat, not towards it.

[@microlithic8354]

If people in the neighborhood were so concerned about this house, then why didn't they do a GoFundMe to get this guy some doors and a no trespassing sign

[@toasted_.coconut]

Neighborhood using 911 as their personal security force. If the guy wants to use the empty property as storage for his 3 boats and RV, build a fence and put up trespassing signs.

[@justice4896]

Yes..

[@stephaniejacobs1267]

I thought a citizens arrest called for the person to have seen/witnessed the crime, nor just have an understanding of probable cause.

[@freedomrings5270]

Many ppl stop and look at unfinished homes; my hubby and I used to stop and do the same thing because he was a structural engineer. I don't recall the others that entered that house being chased with firearms. The kids are taking the wood so what's to stop them from taking other stuff. Never did they find anything on Arbery. This attorney was out of line giving definitions of the law in an opening statement. Glad there was an objection via the State. These 3 took the law in their hands in the streets and hunts down this guy with their vehicles even hitting him with one of the vehicles (Bryan). They don't call 911 that day until after they kill him without an ounce of evidence that anything has been taken. Travis pointed his firearm at Arbery at a 40 ft distance when Arbery was running towards him and then ran in front of his vehicle to attack him. If I was being attacked by a heavy fellow with a gun, I don't think I would have just laid down. I would fight with all the strength I have and if he shot me then he would just have to do that knowing I give it my best fight. Many ppl would not go down without a fight. These were not innocent citizens...no one needed to be hunting him down and then point a firearm. NO NO NO... This whole opening statement is making me sick...

[@Whatever8197V]

100%

[@WunHungLo99]

Kinda think of he was trained coast guard with arrest powers, use of force etc, he sure showed none of that training in the videos I saw. He couldn't even accurately recall events shortly after.

[@einherjar8585]

I am ex-Coast Guard. You are absolutely right. There was no good reason to attack and try to restrain a person for simply running down the street. He did everything wrong from the first decision.

[@lm406]

@@einherjar8585 thank you for your service, travis is shameful

[@spitfirestake54]

Exactly

[@lm406]

35 year old man, didnt even think of his son

[@larrymcmillanjr.4001]

the audacity to claim self defense

[@bbd6157]

Agreed, this was a horrific murder.

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

Three district attorneys declined to prosecute the case based upon self defense. Is it reasonable to assume they were all racists too??

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

For the record, *I think what happened to Ahmaud Arbery is a tragedy.* And I'm NOT saying the guys who chased him should get off. My point is the situation was a lot more complicated than some people make out. So I'll defer to the judgement of the jury that sorts through all the evidence.

[@larrymcmillanjr.4001]

@@bbd6157 A horrible murder .. yes it was

[@larrymcmillanjr.4001]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836Who said anything about race? A spade is a spade

[@lindenjohnson1515]

I hated this lawyer after the first sentence. defending a cold blooded murderer with a pile of accolades about his past. Okay - - - he was a pro trained soldier - then turned into a murderer? can only hope that these goons all get a permanent room with a 300 lb brother for a celly.

[@aaronneal5312]

This attorney is great. He made irrefutable points, proving self defense for Travis.

[@JorgeBorges_00]

Any rebuttal? Or are you just going to assume without evidence the validity of your conclusion

[@shawnsanchez7105]

@@aaronneal5312 imagine simping for a killer lol

[@AllisonBlaise716]

There is no place for vigilantes in America 🇺🇸

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

Do vigilantes call the police first?

[@AllisonBlaise716]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 no

[@AllisonBlaise716]

@@RebeccaGallin that’s what vigilantism is, civilians taking matters into their own hands.

[@AllisonBlaise716]

@@RebeccaGallin yes you are exactly right, they should have called the police.

[@marwanmarz9851]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 yes white supremacist vigilantes like these clowns know the cops will cover for them! That's why the first DA was charged. Sorry about your fragile white privilege feelings and ignorance

[@mileswashington4201]

at 34:54 It's funny how the lawyer uses the phrase "Plundering around" that's cause he can't say that Arbury was destroying or stealing anything so he made up a phrase. I would like to ask the lawyer if "plundering around" is a crime?

[@stephaniejacobs1267]

Right! I actually looked up "plundering" and I was correct in thinkin/remembering that it actually means stealing. There's no evidence he actually ever took anything. He's using this lie of a word through the whole opening, supposedly because the home owner had used that particular word. I pray the jury could see through this lawyers lies.

[@dtrez3866]

The homeowner Larry English told the cops that ahmaud was "plundering around" in his property.

[@davoethomas7977]

@@dtrez3866and that’s still not a felony

[@melissaschreiber7]

What a bunch of BS. Loading a rifle and chasing someone trying to shot them is not self defense. He was trying to kill him not defend himself.

[@dawncampbell1284]

This is the kind of thing that happens when people make assumptions and stereotype others. If only they had minded their own damn businesses!

[@goldengilmaky6788]

Can’t wait for the GBI investigator to take the stand and tell the jury about the racist comments the three defendants made

[@Brooklynborn74]

Acted in self defense? Of who?? If they had minded there own business or let the authorities handle it and not run him down with trucks and guns that young man wouldn’t have done anything,yes it’s suspicious that he kept going back to that house multiple times but that’s not a reason to shoot a person..

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

He wasn't shot for going to the house. He was shot when he attacked the guy holding the gun. That's always a bad idea.

[@karlamarcellus4941]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 We did not see what happened after Ahmad went around the truck. Also, if Ahmad felt like he was in danger and try to stop the man from shooting him. I know I wouldn’t try to do that but adrenaline rush is something else. It’ll make you act in crazy ways in a split of a second.

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

@@karlamarcellus4941 Good points that the jury will have to sort through. My point is that the situation is a lot more complicated than some make it seem.

[@marwanmarz9851]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 hewas shot cause they are white supremacists complete with Confederate flag and N word Sears as lay dying. That was a white supremacist Lynch mob lol proud baby boy

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

@@marwanmarz9851 If the situation were as simple as you make out, why did three district attorneys decline to prosecute it? Is it reasonable to assume they were all racists too?

[@badmonkey2222]

" had him trapped like a rat"

[@nicoleholley7049]

Being chase by 3 white men, and he's alone!

[@nicoleholley7049]

It's not the coast guard!!

[@redvelvetsprinkles]

So Travis preyed on a homeless man AND murdered Ahmaud??? Great job defense lmao you’re making this much easier for the prosecution thankfully.

[@TerraDiASMR]

Regardless of what the defendants thought Ahmaud did, there’s nothing this attorney or anyone else can say that would change my mind about this case. There was absolutely no reason for these people to murder Ahmaud !!!

[@DirkDaJerk]

Then you don't know the law. Regardless of whether or not McMichael is racist or a piece of shit, he still has a right to self defense. If he acted lawfully to conduct a citizens arrest, and while doing so, was attacked, he has the right to defend himself. In Georgia, he lawfully attempted a citizen's arrest. In Georgia, he was carrying his weapon lawfully. Georgia law does not bar you from being armed while conducting a citizen's arrest. His firearm was pointed in a safe direction until Arbery attempted to attack him. It was Arbery who crossed the street to confront McMichaels. If this man is proven to be racist, then he's a piece of shit, but he acted within the confines of the law. Has he not, I wouldn't give a damn if he rotted in jail, but even those whom you dislike the most, deserve to have a fair trial and if they are found to have operated under the law, be acquitted.

[@badmonkey2222]

@@DirkDaJerk but the problem is he didn't act lawfully or try to conduct a citizen's arrest, they never told him he was under arrest, they assaulted him with a truck, trapped him like a rat as they said, and the racist murderer ran towards him with the gun and gunned him down like a dog in the street, and afterward using the N word and basically high-fiving each other. These are nothing more then a bunch of racist yahoo's, vigilante murdering thugs. Even the owner of the property said he had no problem with the young man said he never vandalize or stolen the thing and he never even called the cops one time. Mind your own business, it's not a crime to be riding down the street, they committed kidnapping by restricting his freedom of movement, assaulted him with a 3500 lb truck, and murdered him, ..Period.

[@DirkDaJerk]

@@badmonkey2222 clearly you didn't watch the video. Arbery was walking on the right side of the road, nothing impeding his movement, he could've kept walking forward. He wasn't "gunned down like a stray dog" he attempted to attack and possibly disarm someone who was lawfully carrying a firearm per Georgia law. Again, whether or not he is racist is irrelevant to self defense. 1. Did he have reasonable suspicion that Arbery had committed a crime? Yes, Arbery unlawfully trespassed on a property, doesn't matter if he stole something or not. Under Georgia law, Arbery committed felony burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. 2. Can Mcmichaels lawfully conduct a citizens arrest? Yes, under Georgia state law, a citizen may conduct a citizen's arrest if they have reasonable suspicion that a person has committed a crime. 3. Was Mcmichaels lawfully carrying a firearm? Yes, under Georgia state law, a person may open carry a firearm. Per Georgia law, conducting a citizen's arrest does not prevent you from exercising your right to lawfully, open carry said firearm. 4. Did the defendant have reason to believe there was risk to his life or of great bodily harm? Yes, when Arbery circled the truck and charged him, he could have believed that he was at risk of death or great bodily harm. 5. Because open carry is legal in Gerogia, a person confronting you, while lawfully armed, is not reason enough to justify physical assault. Had Travis Mcmichaels aimed that firearm at Arbery prior to Arbery's attack, then McMichaels would likely be guilty of aggravated battery, however, as you can see in the video, the firearm was pointed down, at a 45° angle, not at Arbery. It wasn't until Arbery charged, that the weapon came up. You're welcome to go read Georgia law, I've already done so. It seems like Travis Mcmichaels is not a great human being, but even shitty human beings have the same rights as decent ones. If you dispute my facts, feel free to watch the video of the shooting again, and again if need be. Mcmichaels did not operate outside of the law, even if he did operate immorally. 👍🏼

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

And that kind of mindset is exactly why courts screen jurors.

[@DirkDaJerk]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 exactly. Until I see evidence that unquestionably proves that the McMichaels acted outside of the law, they are innocent. Not to say they're upstanding members of society, but that's not relevant. As of today, this moment, the McMichaels, and anyone else in this country, currently on trial, regardless the crime, is innocent until proven otherwise.

[@kellyoshea9235]

His murder of Ahmaud is even worse given his training which he clearly did not use or rely on, either that or he was incompetent. It’s clear he was a self appointed vigilante.

[@godisgood1580]

So according to the defense, Travis encountered this young man one late night, and thought he had a gun. Isn't this why they jumped in the truck with weapons, because they thought he would be armed? Yet, he pulls right up to him on the street. Politely says, hey I want to talk to you. Yeah okay

[@movo2060]

You go after someone with weapons and call it self defense!!!!?!!?!?!?? What a joke

[@divested394]

Hmm, so there was no "violent crimes" until his client along w/ his buddies clapped Ahmaud??🤔

[@meetupspeakup4161]

The black man never pulled a gun Although He was surrounded by 3 angry males with guns and driving trucks . Smh

[@tristabrown7461]

What does “driving trucks” have to do with anything??? Profiling much…?

[@Armed-Forever]

Trista Brown r u serious

[@meetupspeakup4161]

@@Armed-Forever I see you want to be heard. So, Could you tell the thread. Why I am not serious about the comment I made.

[@Armed-Forever]

Meet up Speak up I didn't @ u I @ed trista

[@dtrez3866]

If ahmaud was "surrounded", even though that would be literally impossible considering ahmaud is surrounded by open green space, trees and woods, ahmaud would have literally surrounded himself. The informous video begins earlier and ahmaud is actually running with the road ahead clear with all the trucks behind him. But then he turns around, runs past Roddy's truck and puts himself between the two vehicles. Then ahmaud runs like 100 metres towards travis, while being flanked by green space and cover. It just doesn't make sense.

[@meetupspeakup4161]

What if, isn't a crime

[@kerryrivers9869]

This lawyer actually said that Travis show de escalation by pointing the gun at the man. Are you kidding me? And even if the victim had said something back to Travis after asking him why he was there, this lawyer would've had a problem with that

[@erjatikka3029]

I hope the jury noticed that!

[@843amy]

I live in the Deep South, and have a pretty good idea what these ‘gentleman’ were thinking when they used a Civil War dated law. Certainly even McMichael, who purportedly has SO much training, must have trained to deescalate as well. Ik we’re not great up here, but it’s appalling in the lowercountry

[@lm406]

You mean lynching people?

[@843amy]

@@lm406 no. That horrific practice went by the wayside nearly a 1/2 century ago, but of course centuries too late. Prejudice and it’s hateful msgs are alive, and well,disgusting This dark and ugly legacy still lingers in the vernacular, 🥺. When are these dinosaurs going to finally become extinct? The act of lynching may be gone, but sadly the underlying message is not. Especially in Georgia

[@user-ug9su9yf1y]

​@@843amythank you for your comment. God bless you 🙏

[@843amy]

@@user-ug9su9yf1y dude, we’re getting ur ip address. Stop following me.

[@rhibread11]

The judge has had it up to here Literally the whole time. I love it

[@divested394]

How's he making his opening statement w/ a straight face?🥴

[@ariadneschild8460]

This lawyers reiteration of the phrase plundering around makes me wonder if he's trying to convince the jury or himself of the circumstance.

[@spitfirestake54]

The reverse is true. Ahmaud was defending HIMSELF. I’ll argue with anyone. I never understood how no one saw this.

[@Val_Halla777]

Who’d ever think it’s ever a good idea to attack someone holding a shotgun if you’re not 100% positive their plan is to cold murder you?

[@spitfirestake54]

@@Val_Halla777 I might’ve misunderstood your sarcasm. If so, my apologies. This case bothers me so much.

[@Khadijah459]

they did!!

[@meetupspeakup4161]

The person must have a probable cause to believe the person is committing a crime.! running and sight seeing is not a crime

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

And that's not why he got shot. Arbery got shot when he attacked a man holding a gun.

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

@@RebeccaGallin I believe that the "hit with a truck" news has been debunked, although they did swerve to try and stop him. And for the record, I'm not saying that the guys who chased Arbery should get off. My point is that it's more complicated than some people make out. I'll defer to the judgement of the jury that sees and sorts through all the evidence.

[@badmonkey2222]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 you're in every thread supporting these racist murderers , you can just stop talking at anytime because all you're doing is making yourself look like an idiot and just as much as a racist as these murdering thugs by suggesting in anyway that McMichael had committed a crime worthy of being gunned down in the street by a civilian. If the owner of the property was concerned about it he would have asked to have McMichael arrested and he did not, he even said that he had no problem with him, had never vandalized or stolen one thing. Mind your own business, you can't just chase somebody down, corner them, assault and with your vehicle like some crazed lunatic, obstructing free movement and gun them down in the street like a dog because you're suspicious of them. Get it up bro, these racist yahoo's are going to spend the rest of they're lives sharing a cell with a 300-pound brother and I couldn't think of a more just punishment except for the chair with the shooter should get.

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

@@badmonkey2222 If run-on sentences were electricity, you would be a power station. Lol. Now, *I might vote to convict those guys* but I'm not sure yet because, unlike you, I'm not an omnipotent being with immediate access to all the facts. Lol. My main point is to caution people not to rush to judgement. Three district attorneys declined to prosecute the case. Is it reasonable that they are all evil racists??

[@sallywarner2195]

Geez! Victim blame much?! This guy is so full of it I feel like vomiting!

[@stephaniejacobs1267]

Oh my gosh! "He's (Travis) not looking for an encounter". He surely WAS, more than "looking" for an encounter! He was hunting Arbery down and then leveling a shotgun at him, supposedly to "de-escalate" the situation. If this was such a horrible murder that would be LAUGHABLE! You don't hunt someone and then claim "self defense". Ridiculous argument and opening. Grrrrrrr

[@HummingbirdBrown]

If his last thought was his son then why was he out there in the first place and taking a chance since he thought he was armed? And if he feared something happening to his poor 64 yo dad that’s had a heart attack, why are you out there? If they were that scared they wouldn’t be out there in the first place. So give me a break. Yes follow him and keep eyes on him but all this other John Wayne crap nope nope and nope.

[@irenehelmage4264]

I was thinking the same thing you couldn't have said it no better

[@cherisallen]

" l'll take what is not a crime? for 200 please" Answer: "what is, plundering around"

[@badgersandpackers5132]

lol

[@mariaserra8092]

LMFAO!

[@tocajaz4237]

It’s used when just standing there doesn’t sound intimidating enough.😀

[@conspiracylibrary2848]

Looting..

[@twintwins7532]

So, we should lock up all of the people who also went into that partially completed structure, right? It was not a crime, genius. You do not know what you are talking about.

[@benjiarehart2878]

Then with all that training he should have known better. They should have taught him how to mind his own business. I bet he was a hall monitor in grade school.

[@spitfirestake54]

To plunder means to steal or take illegally. Was there evidence of Ahmaud plundering?! Interesting use of words here.

[@Armed-Forever]

And the prosecution isn't challenging it wit the judge smh

[@spitfirestake54]

@@Armed-Forever I think because he’s “quoting” English

[@humblemomo5444]

🤔Can’t say Self-Defense when you was the person who started the conflict, his defense Lawyer is a idiot for even presenting this to JURY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dartzone7744]

Pathetic how they still trying to demonize the victim.

[@Khadijah459]

So inhumane

[@Youre_dumb]

So this guy was aware that people randomly walked around the construction site, but is only suspicious when black males are around?

[@meetupspeakup4161]

kids stealing wood is theft

[@tobias2able]

Yes it is, but for some reason that wasn’t a problem, I wonder why?

[@marwanmarz9851]

That's what your kom said you lil white supremacist

[@Gaylen2200]

Wow! Is this attorney leaving out words? Guns were drawn twice on this young man. Gee what a bowl of bulls??t.

[@nicoleholley7049]

Had a manager fired for brazing a gun! So if they they he had a concealed gun they wouldn't be there.

[@magdcs]

Two men with years of training. Not just experience but actual training. Is in fear of untrained assassin. The untrained professional assassin was capable of reaching and disarming them in seconds. I am supposed to believe that they confronted the untrained professional assassin, whom they where very afraid of, such so that they decided that they needed to be armed. Remember now that they had years of training that they relied on to assess the threat level. The very fact they made out alive, would appear to be an act of God. You just can't make this stuff up. Hollywood could not right this.

[@petermartinez5573]

Lets get to the heart of the matter. The evidence will show that they took the law into their own hands and it cost a innocent man his life.

[@Kitty-lq5jd]

Ahmad Aubrey was not innocent, he was responsible for the previous thefts and he was looking for something to steal the day he got killed. He had no business whatsoever in that neighborhood sneaking and creeping around. The McMichaels were justified in stopping him. And why did Ahmad Aubrey run? Because he was guilty and knew if the cops showed up he was going to jail and rightfully so. The good old Georgia boys have been taking the law into their own hands for decades and with good reason because the cops are absolutely worthless. All they do is sit around eating donuts and drinking coffee. Ahmad Aubrey got what he deserved PERIOD... THE END! 🎬

[@Tw1nke11ph1ch]

@@Kitty-lq5jd I've read several of your comments. I always wondered what kind of person would buy a souvenir at a lynching? I think you display that very colonist mentality and its absolutely chilling.

[@myamaha62]

The low ready position. otherwise known as brandishing a weapon. Walk up to a police officer with a shotgun in the low ready position and watch what happens.

[@3rdeyelottery287]

It’s a problem when one is more concerned about touching a damm 📺

[@ilovexxxjuiceandmanunited3659]

Amazing this is judge is ridiculous

[@Mike-01234]

The kind of neighborhood where a black man doesn't jog. These 3 are done Roddy might get 10 years if he is lucky all 3 their lives are done.

[@roxannemoser]

Didn't look like Ahmaud Arbery to me

[@SumMumBoMum]

Is this guy serious? This sounds like an 80's Clint Eastwood movie. This should be label as the "Make my day defense."

[@toasted_.coconut]

Defense sure loves to use the word "plunder" incorrectly.

[@dtrez3866]

He was just using the word the homeowner used to describe what ahmaud was doing in his property when he spoke to the cops. "Plundering around".

[@cecemoore6121]

@@dtrez3866 which simply meant, Ahmaud was just looking around inside of 220 Satilla Dr. Nothing more nothing less.

[@dtrez3866]

@@cecemoore6121 The key word you used is "looking". "Ahmaud is looking around". But, how exactly can you "look around" in pitch black? And return 3 times to look around again in pitch black? A convicted felon on probation prowling around in other property, in the dark. But, nothing to see here, right? Wrong.

[@melissaschreiber7]

See I don't even want to watch this cuz I don't even want to hear his lawyers BS excuse

[@spignetti]

There was a scene in Braveheart with David Ohara....He says, "I don't know about me but i think you're Fuct...!"....That line is appropriate here...

[@davidhaney1394]

Dude , sit down , shut up and wait for the guilty verdict. ...

[@mad4cavs]

i wouldnt want to live in that neighborhood

[@mileswashington4201]

at 49:53 Good lord: Interacting with the truck. How the hell do you interact with a truck that's chasing you? No need to hear anymore. The saddest thing about this is they gave that man no choice. If he would have stopped and talked to them I am sure they would have taken him off somewhere and killed him anyway and we would have never found out what happened to him.

[@m4sl_academy]

This guy (defense attorney) is so dramatic…. Race baiting…. Dog whistling…. Gross.

[@latonyastewart737]

Its funny they fighting for Self defense for Travis. I think Ahmaud was the one that had to fight for Self defense. But they say he was AGGRESSIVE..

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Hopefully THEY WILL go to prison at least 25 yrs..the victim was sentenced for LIFE...in the grave ALL bcuz THEY played jury, judge and God Almighty. Bad men LIKE THEM are dangerous...playing GOD! I HAVE ZERO doubt this was ALL about his being a BLACK man! Ha ha ha! Defense lost a lot when he didn't comply w the judges command to STOP

[@spitfirestake54]

If convicted, they’ll likely get 10-15 years the bastards!

[@badgersandpackers5132]

@@spitfirestake54 That’s not enough!

[@spitfirestake54]

@@badgersandpackers5132 I’m with you! They stalked a man, killed a man. They should pay the ultimate price but it’s not likely.

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

See I hate ppl(this lawyer) who TRY to play on my intelligence.

[@dtrez3866]

You would be insulting your own intelligence by not considering what he is saying. Everything he said is based on the evidence.

[@lorielewthwaite8236]

So did they find any stolen items at Ahmaud Arbery after his life was taken! Well what this guy Larry should have done was wait for the police to get to the scene instead of shoot and kill Ahmaud. Don’t take the law into your own hands. BS that he is afraid. He carried a gun too. Plus they can say anything they want happened when the other victim can’t speak for himself. Ahmaud probably didn’t reach for a gun. There just saying this because he was a black guy…

[@patriciaclark1223]

This is hard to sit through. HOWWW were they helping the police detain this man when they didn't even call 911 until after they had shot him. Alert doesn't mean you attack let alone shoot and kill someone who was never a threat??

[@conspiracylibrary2848]

If this is court tv then say, " the alleged killing of.." you have already picked a side and thats not what American courts are supposed to be about.

[@ilovexxxjuiceandmanunited3659]

They only say that for legal reasons just in case the person beats the case they don’t want be sued for slander and defamation of character !

[@laatl67]

Uhm...oh wise one...they did kill Ahmaud Arbery. That's not being disputed. Take your hood off.

[@susansehorn2412]

With all that training .. why is he sitting in a court room defending himself against these charges. Did he pass the training exercises?

[@monicahaynes7547]

So what the defense is saying black men all look alike just because you see a black man it has to be Ahmaud Arbery that right there is racist so where are the tattoos they clam he has cause you can barely see tattoos on a Blackman during the day I know my son is black and has tattoos and I have to be up close in the sun to see them.

[@humblemomo5444]

Duties and Responsibilities first thing come out of his mouth smh

[@doreenchindezwa6319]

The law on citizens arrest is on the books from the 1800s which provided legal cover for when a white person killed a black person and is still on the books today. The judge even addressed the court on another racist law when it comes to picking g jurors and accused the defence of using it to disqualify African Americans from being on the jury. And this is allowed. Check what the judge in Kenosha is doing in the Kyle Rittenhouse case.

[@sarahendrix3132]

The coast guard doesn't have jurisdiction there on land I don't think. All the training in the world can't justify taking action and trapping a guy giving him no options for running down the street. So far rooting for the state in this one and the defense In Rittenhouse. Good to hear all facts first however before making a final decision.

[@humblemomo5444]

CoastGuard train you for water emergencies almost 90% of the time

[@ilovexxxjuiceandmanunited3659]

I always enjoy the defences opening statement bc it is always a true fantasy of something else ! That didn’t happen!

[@nicoleholley7049]

Stores can't assume theft has happened!

[@UraStr]

Very different from that Kyle Rittenhouse case, this is pretty straight forward...

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

Except in both cases an unarmed man attacks a man armed with a gun. But the prosecution has a chance in this case, so that's very different.

[@Dawn23244]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 They had no business cornering him. They're not cops. Period.

[@UraStr]

@@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836 well you obviously are not following this case, because it's in fact the exact opposite, in the Kyle Rittenhouse case, the person who gets shot ran towards the guy, in this case dude who got shot was actively trying to avoid these guys...maybe there was a shortage of wild life in Georgia in the spring, but for some reason they went hunting for a black guy...fortunately there's overwhelming evidence, and also fortunately the video leaked and Georgia law enforcement was forced to prosecute them...

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

@@UraStr You're leaving out a LOT. Like they were on the phone to the police that they had a suspected burglar in sight. Like they had Arbery on video 4 times at the construction sight and one of the guys who chased him had seen the videos and knew it was him. Like Arbery was not shot until he attacked a man holding a gun (always a bad idea).

[@infinitytoinfinitysquaredb7836]

@@UraStr For the record, I'm not saying the guys chasing him should get off. I'm saying the situation is a lot more complicated than you paint it. There's a lot of important facts that get glossed over (or misrepresented) in the news and the jury will have to sort through.

[@bbd6157]

The prosecutors opening statement had me in tears. It sounded like a really horrific nightmare where your being chased and you can’t wake up from it. I could not be on this jury, because I for one do not think there is any good reason to chase someone down and kill them unless they are a danger to others. And we know that is not the case. They should have call law enforcement and let them stop him and talk to him. Why did they not stop him nicely and explain what had been going on in the neighborhood. But to chase him down. For all we know Aubrey is thinking he I being lynched by a bunch of nuts. Now in Kyles case I feel he was justified in his killings. That was a true case of self defense.

[@darkelfdrizzt1319]

He murdered two people with an assault rifle oh yes he will be going prison along with these people. All the victims were unarmed I prayed they give us some real justice and they get life in prison. White privilege won't save any of them in times like now.

[@bbd6157]

@@darkelfdrizzt1319 I understand why you may feel that way. But remember Kyles, case there are no people of color involved they are all white. I really feel like they were trying to hurt him. And I personally see that one as self defense just as if Aubrey would have had a weapon and shot these three, that would have been self defense.

[@darkelfdrizzt1319]

@@bbd6157 the people he shot were unarmed one had a skateboard Kyle shot him while he was running away that alone proves malice. He could have fired warning shots but that's was not the ultimate plan. They came for trouble just like the mcmichael. They were hoping to drop bodies and to them color didn't matter. I don't care about the color of his victims I still want justice for his crime.

[@meetupspeakup4161]

He reach in his pocket and ran into the house?

[@Zxx459]

Self defense? Or probably cause DO NOT APPLY HERE Not even close! Carrying guns,following with trucks...you better be sure 100% is the right person He did NOT

[@ericaf2024]

This comment section 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@nicoleholley7049]

It's not their house!

[@dennisn1672]

Hope taxpayers aren't paying for this trial because its a waste of time and money. The three stooges killed a man in cold blood. They had no business chasing someone down and blowing them away with a shotgun. They facilitated the chase that resulted in death. So its first degree murder. So give them life and move on. That's going to be the outcome anyway if it's tomorrow or 2 months from now.

[@mariaserra8092]

With this defense attorneys constant use of the word "plunder" it makes me wonder if the jury's really gonna believe Ahmaud was a pirate...highly doubtful...but I guess this attorney can only dream..really "plundering"???🤨 I would love to know what this guys definition of standing, walking, looking, is???...oh I forgot "plundering"😑..WHATINTHE?!?...🤔🏴‍☠️

[@mirah6546]

Why is he telling us all the reasons his defendant knew better than to kill that man. This isn’t a self defense case. Kyle’s case is.

[@darkelfdrizzt1319]

Guilty for the case Kyle is the same as these three. He murdered two people with an assault rifle that he shouldn't have in the 1st place.

[@mirah6546]

@@darkelfdrizzt1319 I’m not going to have the “assault rifle” argument, because it’s moot. Kyles possession maybe in question, but the self defense claim is way stronger than any bogus self defense claim from these murders. Kyle was never the aggressor, the question of reasonableness is up to the jury, but I think the prosecution has failed to meet its burden.

[@darkelfdrizzt1319]

@@mirah6546 what a coincidence that 2 different set of white supremacists armed with assault rifles murdered innocent people. Seems like not so coincidental if bias justices system let any of these racist get away with murder. Then the next psychopath with an assault rifle will be you. You all think this self defense plea will fly infront of all white jury's. Lmao you think this is a movie or a show but many lives have been destroyed by these murderers and they will do the time for their crimes.

[@mirah6546]

@@darkelfdrizzt1319 who is you all?! And I don’t think kyles situation is at all the same as this. These guys need to be found guilty. Kyle was at worst imperfect self defense.

[@darkelfdrizzt1319]

@@mirah6546 non will get away with murder. They all banked on getting away with this knowing that white privilege and white people will shield and protect them. Here you are doing as expected. You mark my word that they will make an example of them all. Including Kyle rittenhouse. You see nut cases like you thinks it's ok to shoot innocent unarmed people in the streets and play the victim after. Kyle is no different and look same defensive strategy. I'm laughing now but I hope they are arrogant enough to take the stand. I don't think Kyle will take the stand because he's being shielded very well with good attorneys. He will still lose trust in that

[@allthejuice8236]

If Ahmaud was a burglar he sure was a bad one.. out of 4-5 trips to the house & nothing to show for it except MAYBE a cooler?!?!

[@Armed-Forever]

Not even a bag

[@ezekielbenisrael1962]

No cooler was stolen by him.

[@jayrue4631]

Running 🏃‍♂️

[@ericaf2024]

Ok, I watched the entire hour and a half prosecution opening but I can’t finish this! I’m only a quarter of the way in and I have to stop bc this is ridiculous! I get the defense wasn’t given much to work with but dang. Just reaching. Throw and see what sticks. JUST MY OPINION!

[@catherineg9389]

Agreed. There is no defense to this cold blooded killing.

[@indiawilliams5650]

what about Arbery self defense, Arbery ran around the truck to avoid confrontation with them and a gun pointed at him. will arbery ran around the truck travis shot him...wtf

[@treymulaaa8177]

Let ‘em rot

[@user-ii7zd3gl6f]

Now you KNOW that your CLIENT was lying

[@nicoleholley7049]

Andy Griffin show does citizens arrest. Do they have other families for burglary?

[@irenehelmage4264]

The attorney said every second counts he said you better not let them black folks take my wood it's only for my white kids

[@user-ii7zd3gl6f]

Sir..explain how he BROKE into an OPEN house

[@danstewart2770]

The glasses are a nice touch on Travis McMichael. Good luck, pal.

[@matthew196kjv2]

JESUS please let your righteousness will be done in your Name JESUS thank you

[@jayrue4631]

Well we had your Jesus, while being sold on the slave block and present during cross burnings to celebrate hangings so are you calling for a conviction of the 3 slave catchers grandchildren or not ….. ?

[@sheanv1453]

Lock him up