Stonewall Democratic Club Calls for Resignation of Georgia District Attorneys for Gross Miscarriage of Justice in the Murder of Ahmaud Arbery
Like most Americans, the Stonewall Democratic Club was appalled to learn of the brutal, unprovoked murder of Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of white supremacists in Glynn County, Georgia. Mr. Arbery was tracked, confronted, and shot to death by two white men, documented in a terrifying graphic video that was shared widely online and seen by the nation. The video depicts nothing less than a modern-day lynching of a young black man. Arbery’s “crime” appears to be simply existing while black.
Not only was Mr. Arbery robbed of his life, but the incident happened months ago, on February 23, 2020. The suspects, having various ties to law enforcement, continued to walk free until May 7th. The District Attorneys with jurisdiction over the case dragged their feet under the guise of conflicts of interest, allowing the assailants to walk free. Keeping with our core values of equality and justice, Stonewall stands with Georgia’s NAACP in calling for the resignation of Glynn County District Attorney Jackie Johnson and Waycross District Attorney George Barnhill, and for the fair and just prosecution of murder suspects Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael.
The news and video of the tragic event surged online during a week where Los Angeles mourned the 5-year anniversary of the murder of Brendon Glenn, an unarmed black man shot in the back and killed on camera by LAPD. The officer responsible for Mr. Glenn’s death continues to walk free after LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey declined to press charges, contrary to the recommendation of former Police Chief Charlie Beck.
Video footage also surfaced this week of a non-resistant man in Boyle Heights receiving 16 blows from an arresting LAPD Officer. The officer is currently under investigation, and Stonewall is once again deeply disappointed that District Attorney Lacey remains silent. We will continue to watch closely and demand justice be done, whether across the country, or in Los Angeles.