WABE’s Week In Review: The State Gets Involved In The Ahmaud Arbery Case
Artist Theo Ponchaveli wears a mask he created that reads, “Runwithmaud,” as he poses for a photo Friday in front of a mural that he is painting in the likeness of Ahmaud Arbery in Dallas. Ponchaveli said that he was inspired to paint the mural after seeing the video of Arbery’s death on a news broadcast and learning that Friday would have been his birthday. The Georgia man’s death gained national attention and sparked public outrage.
Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
Arrests are finally made …
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Gregory and Travis McMichael on Thursday night, more than 10 weeks after they were involved in Ahmaud Arbery’s death. The white father and son were arraigned on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault after a video showed them confronting and the younger McMichael eventually shooting Arbery who was out for a jog and unarmed. The two men claimed they were making a citizen’s arrest.
Two prosecutors recused themselves from the case after citing ties with Gregory McMichael. One recusal was requested by the family. One of the district attorneys, George Barnhill, wrote a letter to the Glynn County Police Department saying he had seen the video and found no wrongdoing by the men. It wasn’t until the graphic video emerged of the slaying that the national outcry led to state lawmakers taking action.
WABE’s “Closer Look” had a special program before the arrests were made on the case this week. Our podcast Political Breakfast took up the issue and looked at what may or may not change in state government as a result.
Testing for all …
Georgia was one of the worst states in the country when it came to testing people for COVID-19. Gov. Brian Kemp vowed more testing, and that effort has boosted the state to about middle of the pack. Now Kemp says anyone who wants a test can get one as it is no longer a case of too much demand and not enough supply.
School’s out, but did you pass or fail?
Georgia’s public colleges and universities, like most in the U.S., switched to an online learning format in March due to the coronavirus. However, unlike many public college systems, Georgia schools didn’t shift to a pass/fail grading system. Some students, faculty and lawmakers are urging the Board of Regents to reconsider.
For a deeper exploration of Ahmaud Arbery’s story, listen to WABE’s podcast, “Buried Truths.” Hosted by journalist, professor, and Pulitzer-prize-winning author Hank Klibanoff, season three of “Buried Truths” explores the Arbery murder and its direct ties to racially motivated murders of the past in Georgia.
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