Why Haven't the Men Who Shot Ahmoud Arbery Been Arrested and Charged?

The shooting of Ahmoud Arbery, a 25-year-old jogger in Georgia, in February 2020, sparked widespread outrage and controversy. To this day, the two men, Travis and Zachary McMichael, who are believed to have fired the fatal shots, have not been arrested or charged with his murder. This article delves into the complexities and challenges in bringing these individuals to justice, focusing on issues of corruption, incompetence, and systemic racism.

The Current Status and Public Outcry

Since the older of the two, Travis McMichael, worked for the district attorney’s office as an investigator, all the assistant district attorneys who worked there at the same time as the murder had to recuse themselves from the case. Initially, the suspects were not charged because, according to Georgia law, they had not murdered anyone.

The recent arrests and charges came into play due to public outcry over a false narrative perpetuated by mainstream media (MSM), which portrayed the McMichaels as racist assailants bent on killing an innocent black jogger. However, the facts presented so far do not support these claims. Additionally, it has emerged that the video released by a lawyer friend of the McMichaels should be viewed in context. This video was intended to dispel rumors and provide transparency, but it has been misconstrued in the media, leading to further confusion.

The Video and Its Misinterpretation

The video shows the shooting and was released to the public by a lawyer friend of the McMichaels. This lawyer believed it would demonstrate that the McMichaels did not shoot Arbery but that it was Arbery who attacked Travis McMichael. The shotgun discharged as McMichael tried to pull it by the barrel from the attacker.

When taken out of context, the video appears to present a racist ambush of an innocent black jogger by two rural “trash.” However, as more information comes to light, it becomes clear that this narrative is not accurate.

Corruption, Incompetence, and Racism: The Culprits

The simplest explanation for the failure to arrest and charge the individuals involved in the shooting of Ahmoud Arbery is a multifaceted issue: corruption, incompetence, and systemic racism.

1. Corruption: The failure to promptly arrest and charge the suspects can be attributed to corruption within the legal system. District attorneys often work closely with law enforcement and can have conflicts of interest, leading to potential biases and cover-ups.

2. Incompetence: There is an element of incompetence in how the investigation was handled. Legal professionals, including assistant district attorneys, should have acted promptly and responsibly upon receiving reports of a shooting, even if they were from their peers. This delay suggests a lack of proper oversight and a failure to maintain public trust.

3. Racism: Systemic racism is evident in the handling of the case. The initial public narrative, fueled by certain media representations, led to a rush to judgment rather than a thorough and impartial investigation. This knee-jerk reaction further demonstrates the role of racial biases in the criminal justice system.

The Legal Framework in Georgia and Texas

The issue of a citizen's arrest is relevant in understanding why the McMichaels were not promptly charged. In Texas, citizens can make an arrest only if they are witnessing a felony in progress and they know it is indeed a felony. If Georgia's laws mirror those of Texas, then it is unclear how a reasonable police officer or prosecutor could have acted otherwise.

It is crucial to investigate why the laws and the system allowed this situation to persist. If legal professionals fail to adhere to their duties, it raises significant questions about accountability and systemic issues within the justice system.

Conclusion

The failure to arrest and charge the men who shot Ahmoud Arbery is a complex issue rooted in corruption, incompetence, and racial biases. As the investigation continues to unfold, it is essential to examine these factors closely. The transparency and accountability of the legal system are vital to ensuring justice is served and to restoring public trust in the criminal justice process.