Carmelo Anthony trial: Protests break out outside Texas courthouse, supporters chant ‘self-defense is not a crime’ | WATCH
Protests erupt outside Texas courthouse Carmelo Anthony Videos on social media showed the trial taking place. On Wednesday, June 3, supporters rallied wearing shirts that read “We Declare Him Free.”
As many as 12 jurors and six alternates have been selected for the trial, CBS News reported. All qualified African-American jurors were dismissed by prosecutors, who argued that the circumstances of the crime were “race-neutral” and did not require a diverse jury panel.
Anthony claims he stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf Die in self-defense. He appeared on a live broadcast, sitting at a table with his lawyers. He was wearing a dark suit and tie.
Learn more | Who is Austin Metcalf? 5 things to know about slain Texas student ahead of Carmelo Anthony’s trial
Collin County judge rules strict rules On media access, security and court conduct in trials. 296th District Court Judge John Roach Jr. signed the order in April, citing intense public interest. He also stressed the need to protect the rights of jurors, witnesses and defendants to a fair proceeding.
Protest outside court
Journalist Savannah Hernandez shared a video on X of protesters wearing T-shirts and holding slogans in support of Anthony. “This morning I tried to interview Carmelo Anthony supporters and they immediately became aggressive. Their ‘security’ then told me he would be my ‘worst nightmare’ if I didn’t leave. Look at some of the people here supporting Carmelo Anthony,” she wrote.
a video Anthony’s supporters are shown chanting “self-defense is not a crime.”
TPUSA Frontline Shared a video of a protesterwrote, “Collin County – Carmelo Anthony’s supporters are in a heated argument with any media outlets they are unaware of. There appear to be accredited media outlets they are willing to talk to, and the rest are immediately attacked.”
The murder of Austin Metcalf
Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing Metcalf during a rain delay at a high school track meet. Before the stabbing at Frisco Memorial High School, Metcalf reportedly asked Anthony, who is black, to leave the event because he did not attend that school. Matt Kraft is white.
Learn more | Austin Metcalf’s twin brother Hunter receives posthumous diploma in emotional graduation ceremony: Watch
The confrontation occurred when Metcalf told Anthony to leave while he was sitting under the team tent at Memorial High School. Witnesses told investigators that Anthony reached into the bag and warned, “Touch me, see what happens,” NBC DFW reported. Anthony allegedly pulled a black knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother.
If convicted, Anthony could face 5-99 years in prison or life in prison. In the Texas criminal justice system, 17-year-olds are considered adults.
