There has been a recent controversial incident involving Karmelo Anthony, a teenager accused of murdering Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet. The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), an activist group supporting Anthony, posted a POV-style video on social media showing their security team escorting Anthony from jail after he made bond.
In the video, Anthony is seen being escorted by the security team as they walk past the media outside the Collin County Jail. A female reporter confronts Anthony, asking him if he has anything to say to the Metcalf family and why he was armed that day. Anthony remains silent as he is ushered into a vehicle by the security team.
The video sparked outrage online as it appeared to treat Anthony like a celebrity, especially after reports surfaced that his family was living in a gated community and had recently purchased a new car. Many people expressed their disgust at the treatment of Anthony, calling him a murderer and not a hero.
Anthony, 17, is charged with murder for allegedly stabbing Metcalf in the heart at the athletic event in Frisco. The altercation reportedly started when Metcalf asked Anthony to move out of his school’s tent during a rain delay, leading to a fatal stabbing.
Despite claiming self-defense, Anthony admitted to stabbing Metcalf and was initially held on a $1 million bond. However, a judge later reduced it to $250,000, allowing Anthony to await trial under house arrest with his family. A fundraiser for Anthony’s legal fees has raised over $453,000, but none of the money has been withdrawn yet.
The Anthony family has moved into a rented home inside a gated community, according to reports. NGAN defended their actions, stating that their security team has always protected and served families in crisis situations.
NGAN’s mission is to cultivate young leaders dedicated to eradicating social injustice through various reforms. The organization stands by its actions in support of Anthony, despite the backlash from the public.