Black pastors from around the nation are answering the call to support the family of Ahmaud Arbery in court during the trial for the three white men accused of killing the 25-year-old Black jogger.  

The news comes after defense attorney Kevin Gough objected last week to the presence of Rev. Al Sharpton in the courtroom, where he also requested no more “Black pastors” sit in the courtroom with Arbery’s family, alleging it was intimidating the jury.  

PREVIOUS: Attorney Wants No More’ Black Pastors’ At Trial For Arbery’s Accused Killers 

“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 on Thursday. “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.”  

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

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 words 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.”   

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

According to ABC News, Gough offered a brief apology in the courtroom Friday morning, saying, “My apologies to anyone who might’ve been inadvertently offended.” 

Despite Gough’s apology, Black pastors are gearing up to head to Brunswick to support the Arbery family. Sharpton has called on clergy members to join him outside of the Glynn County courthouse on Thursday for a prayer vigil.  

According to WGN 9, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson is also expected to be in attendance, saying Gough does not have the right to decide who supports the Arbery family. “They use their strength to eliminate jurors based upon race as far as sending them to the disqualified rank,” Jackson said. “I will not dignify his position.” 

RELATED: Only One Black Juror Selected to Sit on Trial for Arbery’s Accused Killers 

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, pastor of the Friendship West Baptist Church, joined Start Your Day to discuss his plans to travel to Brunswick to support the Arbery family. “The sad reality is we should’ve been greatly shocked that Ahmaud Arbery was stalked and hunted by these vicious racists,” he said. Haynes also said he was offended but not surprised by the defense attorney’s comments.  

Gough said he plans to file a motion on Monday in relation to the Black pastors planning to attend the trial proceedings, CNN reported.  

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.   

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.