As the trial resumes for the three white men accused of killing Ahmaud Arbery, a defense attorney turned heads with comments he made about civil rights leaders.  

RELATED: Opening Statements Begin in Trial for Ahmaud Arbery’s Accused Killers  

According to CNN, defense attorney Kevin Gough objected to the presence of Rev. Al Sharpton at the trial as he sat in the courtroom to support Arbery’s family after leading a prayer service.  

“If we’re going to start a precedent, starting yesterday, where we’re going to bring high-profile members of the African American community into the courtroom to sit with the family during the trial in the presence of the jury, I believe that’s intimidating and it’s an attempt to pressure,” Gough said.  

RELATED: ‘It’s Really Raw’: Arbery’s Dad Talks Trauma From Trial, Video of Son’s Death 

The judge said he was aware of Sharpton’s presence and had no objections as long as there weren’t any disruptions. “We don’t want any more Black pastors coming in here or other Jesse Jackson, whoever was in here earlier this week, sitting with the victim’s family trying to influence a jury in this case,” Gough added.  

Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said she was shocked by the defense attorney’s comments calling them “insensitive” and “very rude.” Speaking to CNN, she said she was “very surprised to know that he frowned upon anybody, any pastor that would come in to sit with the family, to keep us encouraged.”  

RELATED: Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother Hopes for Accountability in Son’s Trial 

S. Lee Merritt, the attorney representing Arbery’s family, said the defense has been filing “bizarre motions.” He also expressed concerns about the racial makeup of the jury, which has 11 white jurors and a single Black juror.  

“This attorney is talking about the influence of just one Black juror after they used 11 of their 12 strikes to go after the remaining 11 Black jurors in this case. So, we know that these attorneys are attempting to change the outcome by relying on old racial discrimination tactics that have denied a lot of families in the South,” Meritt said.  

BNC correspondent Dray Clark spoke to Gough Friday morning as he headed into court to ask the defense attorney about his comments regarding Black pastors. When asked if his comments were racist, Gough responded, “What I say in court, I say in court.” As Clark walked with Gough and asked if he would apologize, the defense attorney said, “Watch the proceedings this morning.”  

Race plays a key role in the case where father-son duo Travis and Gregory McMichael, along with William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., are accused of chasing 25-year-old Arbery and shooting him. The three white men allege they attempted to make a citizen’s arrest because they suspected Arbery was doing something illegal.  

RELATED: Ben Crump: Defense Wants to ‘Assassinate’ Ahmaud Arbery’s Character 

The McMichaels and Bryan Jr. face several charges, including malice, felony murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. If convicted, each could face life in prison. 

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.