Antonio Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Murder Charges
Antonio Brown, the former NFL wide receiver, has entered a not-guilty plea regarding attempted murder charges connected to a shooting incident earlier this spring. This comes just days after he was extradited to the United States, as reported by the Associated Press.
Last week, Brown was brought back from the United Arab Emirates after being arrested by federal marshals on allegations linked to a mass shooting that occurred during a celebrity boxing event in May.
His attorney, Mark Eiglash, confirmed to the Associated Press that the plea was submitted electronically. Brown, known for his time with the Steelers and Buccaneers, is expected to attend a bail hearing this week.
Upon his return, he was airlifted to Newark Airport and taken to Essex County Jail in New Jersey. He later signed an extradition waiver to be transported to Miami.
The 37-year-old reportedly was overseas when the arrest warrant was released in June. Allegations state that during a confrontation outside the boxing event, he snatched a security guard’s gun and fired at Zulkarnain Kwame Nantambu, a claim Brown asserts was in self-defense, noting that a bullet grazed Nantambu’s neck.
Brown was initially detained following the incident but has since been released. He maintains that his actions were a reaction to defend himself.
Investigators in Miami later found video evidence suggesting that Brown punched Nantambu before taking the gun.
On Monday, Eiglash reiterated that his client did what was necessary to protect himself, framing Brown’s actions as defensive given the circumstances.
In a press release, Eiglash stated, “I truly believe in Brown’s defense. The actions he was forced to take were taken solely in self-defense against the alleged victim’s violent acts. Brown was attacked that night and acted within his legal rights to protect himself from someone who had previously committed criminal acts against him. It was an honor to represent him, and I am determined to ensure justice is served.”
