‘No people should have to go through this’: Activists call for justice in Brookhaven shooting

Gathered at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Brookhaven, the city’s Black residents filled the church sanctuary. Attendees ranged from community members, to the NAACP, to the New Black Panther Party. They’re galvanized in their show of support for D’Monterrio Gibson.

Gibson was working his FedEx route, delivering packages in Brookhaven on Jan. 24, when two white men began chasing and shooting at the 24-year-old. Gibson, who is Black, escaped without being hurt, but multiple bullets hit the van he was driving. He said the incident has impacted his mental health.

"Every day is like a struggle just to maintain. Like, this morning I had a real bad anxiety attack. I was just by myself, and I just felt like I wanted to explode. I even cried a little bit. I try to hold those emotions in. It just seems like it’s getting harder and harder," Gibson said.

Since the incident, he said it’s been difficult for him to return to work. 

Gregory Case and Brandon Case, the father-son duo who shot at Gibson, were arrested by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department after they turned themselves in. They posted bond and were released the same day. 

Gibson’s grandmother, Jacqueline Kelker, says she never expected to see her grandson endure some of the same challenges Black people faced decades ago.

"It’s like an unending cycle. It’s time for a change. It’s not just time for it now. It’s been time for a change. Our Black people shouldn’t have to go through this. No people should have to go through this," Kelker said.

Gibson’s lawyers are pushing for a more thorough investigation and for more severe charges to be brought forth. The Lincoln County NAACP are calling on the Brookhaven mayor and police chief to resign. Both have refused to do so. Lincoln County NAACP President Rico Cain says his organization will continue on to the next steps.