New Orleans Saints strong safety and founder of the Players Coalition Malcolm Jenkins leads a task force calling for a federal investigation into the death of Ahmaud Arbery. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Players Coalition wants federal investigation of Ahmaud Arbery's death

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/8/20

Ahmaud Arbery would've turned 26-years-old on May 8, but his life was cut short after he was shot dead for no reason by white supremacists.

The Players Coalition and many other athletes have sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray requesting an immediate federal investigation into the death of Arbery.

The letter was signed by some of the NFL's biggest stars, including Tom Brady, Mark Ingram and Doug Baldwin. It, of course, was also signed by Players Coalition founders Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins along with Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

Today should've been Ahmaud Arbery's 26th birthday. Instead, our nation is mourning. Because of the local conflict of interest, @playercoalition, other athletes, and I are urging Attorney General Barr, to have the FBI and the DOJ investigate this tragic death. We need action. pic.twitter.com/2qG8lih6A4
— Anquan Boldin (@AnquanBoldin) May 8, 2020

The letter advised that the FBI and the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division lead the investigation into the shooting of Arbery by two white men, Travis and Greg McMichael. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charged the father and son this week with murder and aggravated assault, but it took them until the internet was outraged to do so.

The Players Coalition was formed in 2017 to raise awareness about police and community relations, criminal justice reform, education advancement and economic advancement. It developed during the difficult dispute between NFL owners and players who were kneeling during the national anthem to bring awareness to social injustice issues.

As more people learn about Arbery's story, support for his family and justice for his death rises.

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