McMichael, Bryan Case “Painful Evidence that Hateful Rhetoric Leads to Devastating Consequences”

Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan were today found guilty on multiple counts in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery on the evening of February 23, 2020. Western States Center executive director Eric K. Ward issued the following statement.

“This case is painful evidence that hateful rhetoric leads to devastating consequences. It’s clear that the murder committed by Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan was fueled by racism and bigotry. While the family and loved ones of Ahmaud Arbery were able to find some justice through our  judicial system, the best time to address bigotry and vigilante violence is long before a toxic brew of bigotry and violent rhetoric led to the murder of their beloved family member.

“This case is also a devastating example of the danger posed by armed individuals attempting to take the law into their own hands. Vigilantes who confront individuals they accuse of breaking the law aren’t ‘keeping the peace’—they’re intentionally creating a profoundly dangerous situation. Law enforcement and elected officials should speak out to send a clear message that violent individuals with guns have absolutely no role to play in policing our communities.

“Incidents like this feed into the agenda of paramilitary and white nationalist groups working to undermine our democratic institutions. Anti-democracy groups are invested in spreading a perception of chaos in order to promote their authoritarian vision as an alternative to inclusive democracy. Groups supporting the defendants are attempting to normalize the idea that individuals have a right to undercut and usurp the role of law enforcement and government authorities without even minimal accountability. The consequences of that logic are chilling.”

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