George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin’s killer
The NAACP says it’s deeply disappointment following the announcement by the Department of Justice Department Tuesday that after its independent investigation no charges would be filed against George Zimmerman who killed Trayvon Martin three years ago.
The NAACP says it will continue working to get the controversial stand-your-ground law repealed. Many critics believe even though not used as a defense during trial, its existence may have influenced Zimmerman’s aggressive behavior and the jury’s decision to acquit him.
Zimmerman killed 17-year old Martin in Sanford, Fla. on Feb. 26, 2012, after he had left his father’s home to go buy skittles and a soda and Zimmerman followed him.
Attorney General Eric Holder said the evidence did not meet the “high standard for a federal hate crime prosecution.”
In a statement Holder said, “This young man’s premature death necessitates that we continue the dialogue and be unafraid of confronting the issues and tensions his passing brought to the surface,” and added: “We, as a nation, must take concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.”
“George Zimmerman remains free, while a family continues to mourn the death of a young man—and his memory lies ever present in the minds of his family and Americans throughout the country,” said Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO. “We are deeply disappointed by the news that the Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin and will not be filing criminal civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. The NAACP will continue to fight for the removal of Stand Your Ground laws in every state, and we will not rest until racial profiling in all its forms is outlawed. The NAACP continues to remain committed to justice no matter how long or how difficult. No one should be protected by the law when committing senseless crimes or any act of violence. Our deepest prayers and support continue to be with the family of Trayvon Martin.”
Ms. Adora Obi Nweze, NAACP Florida State Conference President, echoed the same views: “The Florida State Conference and greater Florida community remain committed to the fight against the Stand Your Ground law in Florida and across the nation. The decision from the Department of Justice to not file criminal civil right charges against George Zimmerman only deepens our resolve to continue our campaign against this unjust law. We will continue to provide moral support for Trayvon Martin’s family and the work they are doing to fight injustice.”
