In February of 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was shot and killed by father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael and their neighbor William Bryan. The three men had already been found guilty of the charges brought against them last year related to the Ahmaud Arbery murder case. On February 22nd, the men were also convicted of multiple federal crimes, including federal hate crime charges. This verdict came just a day before the two-year anniversary of his death.

  The charges were considered by eight White, three Black, and one Hispanic jurors; the men were found guilty on all five federal charges. The McMichaels, who had already been issued a life sentence without chance of parole, may receive yet another life sentence. Bryan, who also received a life sentence but with the possibility of parole, may see a change in sentencing due to this second conviction. Unlike the state trial, the federal trial focused on the role race played in Arbery’s killing. Among the evidence brought against the men, one of the more standout pieces were text messages sent from Travis McMichael and William Bryan entailing violence against black people and slurs. 

  The Attorney General Merrick Garland commented on the case, saying, “No one should fear that if they go out for a run, they will be targeted and killed because of the color of their skin.” While the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been applauded for this move, it is still worth noting that the DOJ also recently accepted a plea deal with the three men.