WATCH: “Who Brought The Shotgun To The Party?” Closing Arguments In Ahmaud Arbery Killing



Steph Bazzle reports on social issues and religion for Hill…
The trial of three men accused of murder in the death of Ahmaud Arbery is coming to an end, with closing arguments submitted on Monday. In those closing statements, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski brings a point that seems to echo across any number of cases where self-defense has been claimed, including some cases in which it has prevailed: “Who brought the shotgun to the party?”

In the CBS clip below, you can see Dunikoski laying out the facts to establish exactly who the aggressors were in the case. Throughout the trial, she has questioned defendants Gregory McMichael, his son Travis McMichael, and their neighbor, William Bryan, about their claims of self-defense, forcing an admission that Arbery did not threaten the men, or brandish a weapon, merely tried to escape by running away. Now, she asks the jury to consider, “Who brought the shotgun to the party? Who took the shotgun out of the car? Who pointed the shotgun?”
Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski pushes back on self defense claims by the men charged for Ahmaud Arbery's killing: "Who brought the shotgun to the party? Who took the shotgun out of the car? Who pointed the shotgun? [Arbery] is running — running away from them for five minutes." pic.twitter.com/j7Iu1cGX9E
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 22, 2021
The previous questioning, in which Travis McMichael was forced to admit that Arbery made no threatening moves, can be seen in the clip below.
Prosecutor: Did Ahmaud Arbery reach into his pockets?
Travis McMichael: No.
Prosecutor: Did he yell?
TM: No.
Prosecutor: Threaten you?
TM: No.
Prosecutor: Brandish weapons?
TM: No.
Prosecutor: Gun?
TM: No.
Prosecutor: Knife?
TM: No.
Prosecutor: He just ran?
TM: Yes. pic.twitter.com/93Kb734XCJ
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) November 18, 2021
The defense argues that the men were not aggressors but attempting to make a legal citizen’s arrest, and were forced to kill the young man in self-defense as he tried to escape them.
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Steph Bazzle reports on social issues and religion for Hill Reporter. She focuses on stories that speak to everyone's right to practice what they believe in and receive the support of their communities and government officials. You can reach her at Steph@HillReporter.com