U.S. President Barack Obama released a statement Sunday on the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of black teenager Trayvon Martin, urging Americansto respect the court verdictand act to stem the tide of gun violence in America.Here is Obamas full statement as reported by the Huffington Post:
The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if were doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if were doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, thats a job for all of us. Thats the way to honor Trayvon Martin.
A six-woman jury in Florida concluded Sunday thatZimmermans fatal shooting of unarmed 17-year-oldTrayvonMartin was justified, acquitting him of second-degree murder and manslaughter.
On the night of February 26, 2012, Zimmerman, who was a self-appointed neighborhood watch in a gated community in Sanford, Florida, shot and killed Trayvon who was a student at a Miami-area high school and a guest of one of the homeowners.
Zimmerman pleaded not guilty claimingthe fatal shooting was in self-defense.
The case sparked heated debate on racial discrimination in America.
Angry protests have erupted across America following the controversial verdict
Civil unrest was particularly intense in Oakland. The Oakland Tribune reported that protesters burned an American and a California state flag and spray painted Alameda County's Davidson courthouse.
Demonstrators also smashed windows, attacked police cars and set fires to dumpsters in downtown Oakland.
Big crowds also took to the streets in New York City marching south on Broadway from Union Square. Many carried signs in support of the slain teenager and chanted "No justice. No peace."
Meanwhile, Mark O'Mara, Zimmermans defense attorney said he was happy with the verdict.
Obviously we are ecstatic with the results. George Zimmerman was never guilty of anything except for protecting himself,
The U.S. Department of Justice has said it would review the case to see if it should consider prosecuting Zimmerman.
By Press TV
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