Al Sharpton: Trayvon Martin Verdict ‘A Slap In The Face’
The Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement following the George Zimmerman verdict, and the “not guilty” decision handed down in the 2012 shooting death of unarmed Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
Al Sharpton’s name was frequently invoked in regards to Trayvon Martin, often by supporters of George Zimmerman who referred to the civil rights leader as “race baiting” and implied his presence was stirring race-based unrest.
Sharpton has been vocal about the case, arguing first for an arrest as protests mounted nationally.
Tonight, as the case ends in a way many advocates of justice for Trayvon were dreading, Al Sharpton directly addressed the verdict on his Facebook page.
Sharpton began:
The acquittal of George Zimmerman is a slap in the face to the American people but it is only the first round in the pursuit of justice. We intend to ask the Department of Justice to move forward as they did in the Rodney King case and we will closely monitor the civil case against Mr. Zimmerman.
He continued:
“I will convene an emergency call with preachers tonight to discuss next steps and I intend to head to Florida in the next few days.”
Sharpton also said:
I think that this is an atrocity… It is probably one of the worst situations that I have seen.
In the wake of Zimmerman’s not guilty verdict, the parents of Trayvon Martin also made social media statements.
Sybrina Fulton tweeted just a few moments ago, saying:
Lord during my darkest hour I lean on you. You are all that I have. At the end of the day, GOD is still in (cont) http://t.co/enQjZ3bZk2
— Sybrina Fulton (@SybrinaFulton) July 14, 2013
Tracy Martin sent several tweets:
Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY
— Tracy Martin (@BTraymartin9) July 14, 2013
Thanks to everyone who are with us and who will be with us si we together can make sure that this doesn’t happen again
— Tracy Martin (@BTraymartin9) July 14, 2013
God blessed Me & Sybrina with Tray and even in his death I know my baby proud of the FIGHT we along with all of you put up for him GOD BLESS
— Tracy Martin (@BTraymartin9) July 14, 2013
Al Sharpton did not provide further details on his plans to address the Trayvon Martin case verdict.
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