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On June 10, the jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of the murder of Austin Metcalf and sentenced him to 35 years behind bars. Many had gathered outside the courthouse where supporters of Anthony showed their anger about the all-white jury members appointed.
Meanwhile, others were there to show their support for the Metcalf family. As the groups shouted and tried to be heard, another person appeared outside the courthouse.
Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, became the center of a dramatic scene that was captured on video. Sitting in a car, with supporters surrounding it, Hayes leaned toward the window and shouted “Racist! Bias!” at the crowd. It was reported that some in the crowd were chanting those exact words as well.
Moments later, Hayes was seen making another gesture. As the car drove away, Hayes formed a heart shape with her hands. This gesture is typically associated with love and warmth. However, some viewers interpreted it differently.
Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother sparks online reactions with hand symbols
In the comment section to the video, posted on the NY Post YouTube channel, one person wrote, “I find them showing a hand gesture of a heart repulsive and disrespectful. Considering the young boy killed was stabbed in the heart… “