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Outside demonstrations remain peaceful ahead of verdict in Ahmaud Arbery’s murder

BRUNSWICK, Fla. — A handful of law enforcement in Glynn County put barriers early Tuesday morning in front of the Glynn County Courthouse.

Meanwhile, a small group of activists like Michael Harries stood outside with a Black Lives Matter Flag standing in solidarity with Ahmaud Arbery’s Family.

“We’re sick and tired of going through this, enough is enough,” Harris said.

On Monday protestors with the new Black Panther group marched outside the courthouse armed with what appeared to be assault rifles.

They had a casket bearing the names of black people who they say were killed unjustly.

Defense attorney Kevin Gough motioned for a mistrial because of the demonstrations taking place outside the courthouse but it was denied.

Action News Jax spoke with Glynn Unified Command. They told us it’s monitoring the trial and the groups here in Brunswick to make sure everything remains peaceful and safe.

The Glynn Unified Command told us: “We’re aware of the groups that came together yesterday. We understand the frustration that some folks may have had with the groups that were here yesterday, but these groups were exercising their first, second amendment rights and these groups acted in a relatively peaceful manner that produced no incidence whatsoever.”

Harris these groups outside the courthouse are remaining peaceful but they are asking for accountability from the justice system.

“That’s all we’re asking for. If they come together, they have weapons, if they come together and they don’t have weapons out here we are still being radical in their eyes and we’re not radical. We’re just asking that you do your job,” he said.

Harris said he’ll be out here for as long as it takes to get justice and this week, he wants people to remember Arbery’s mother is enduring another thanksgiving without her son.

“She’s got an empty seat at her table. You might not understand how that feels but just sit there and think about how this mother is feeling, how this father is feeling, how this family’s feeling. They can’t get that back,” Harris said.