(ATLANTA, AP) — One week after a jury found George Zimmerman not guilty in the death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, people began to gather for rallies scheduled nationwide to press for civil rights charges against the former neighborhood watch leader.
The Florida case has become a flashpoint in debates over guns, race relations and self-defense laws. Zimmerman identifies as Hispanic. Martin was black.
The Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network organized the “Justice for Trayvon” rallies outside federal buildings in 100-plus cities: from New York and Los Angeles to Wichita, Kan., and Birmingham, Ala.
Sharpton wants the Justice Department to pursue a case.
Rallies are scheduled for noon local times. On Saturday morning in Manhattan, Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, told gathering supporters, “Today it was my son. Tomorrow it might be yours.”
The Florida case has become a flashpoint in debates over guns, race relations and self-defense laws. Zimmerman identifies as Hispanic. Martin was black.
The Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network organized the “Justice for Trayvon” rallies outside federal buildings in 100-plus cities: from New York and Los Angeles to Wichita, Kan., and Birmingham, Ala.
Sharpton wants the Justice Department to pursue a case.
Rallies are scheduled for noon local times. On Saturday morning in Manhattan, Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, told gathering supporters, “Today it was my son. Tomorrow it might be yours.”
Story continues below advertisement