BY LINCOLN ANDERSON | Following George Zimmerman being found not guilty in Florida of all charges in his fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, local politicians called the verdict “shocking” and said it painfully highlights how far America still is from equal justice.
The jury found Zimmerman not guilty of murder, as well as manslaughter charges
State Senator Daniel Squadron is calling for a full investigation by the Department of Justice of the teen’s killing.
“The jury’s verdict in the Trayvon Martin case is a shocking reminder that justice is too often still delayed and denied,” Squadron said in a statement. “Tonight is deeply painful for Trayvon’s family, and for every American who believes in equal justice under the law.”
Squadron, who is running for public advocate, declared, “The Justice Department must now step up and get involved to ensure justice is served.”
The state senator called on people to sign the NAACP’s petition calling on the Department of Justice “to bring civil rights charges to ensure justice is done.”
In a statement, Borough President Scott Stringer said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the Trayvon Martin verdict.
“A young black man on his way home should have been able to walk the streets safely,” Stringer said. “Instead, he was cut down by senseless violence. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”
Stringer is running for city comptroller against scandal-scarred former Governor Eliot Spitzer.
Comptroller John Liu, a candidate for mayor, said, “Today’s decision is shocking and highlights the sad reality that the day of equal justice for Trayvon and millions of other young men of color has yet to arrive. And it reminds us that we must strengthen our efforts to further equality and justice for all.”
