The NAACP’s petition to the Department of Justice asking for federal charges, including civil rights charges, to be filed against George Zimmerman has reached one million signatures.
This major milestone was reached in just two and a half days. The petition was set up on Saturday evening shortly after the verdict finding George Zimmerman not guilty in the murder of Trayvon Martin was read.
Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, was thankful for the support the petition has received: “The support our petition has received shows the mindset of the American public, who are tired of a system of justice that allows for appalling verdicts like the one we saw on Saturday.”
Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP, addressed the specifics of the NAACP’s request: “It is clear George Zimmerman’s bias played a major role in the events that led to the death of Trayvon Martin. A cousin called the police days after the murder and said, ‘I think he did this because of race.’ He had previously called the police dozens of times, disproportionately about young men of color who he thought were suspect. George Zimmerman himself stated on the night of the attack, ‘These punks always get away with this.’ The law says you must be able to show that race was a factor and that bodily harm was done. We believe there is enough evidence to satisfy this standard.”
The NAACP also partnered with MoveOn.org on a petition in support the effort. “MoveOn members from all walks of life joined with the NAACP to demand justice for Trayvon and his family because this verdict cannot be the final say in this case, ” added Anna Galland, executive director of MoveOn.org.
“We will continue to fight for justice for Trayvon Martin, and we will work to address the deep-seated injustices that continue to plague our nation–from racial profiling to the proliferation of guns, from Stand Your Ground laws to a deeply flawed criminal justice system.”
Interested parties can still sign the petition, which will remain active and open until the Department of Justice completes their case.
Sign the petition by visiting: naacp.org or text “JUSTICE” to 62227
