George Zimmerman, admitted killer of Trayvon Martin, walked free today as the jury declared him not guilty of murder.
In February last year, Zimmerman, whilst on neighbourhood
watch, spotted Martin walking back from the shop. Zimmerman rang the police,
reporting a suspicious male, then proceeded to follow the teenager, despite the
police advising him not to. The two ended up in a fight, and Martin was later
found dead with a bullet wound to the chest.
Showing very little reaction to the reading of the verdict,
Zimmerman was told “Your bond will be released. Your GPS monitor will be cut
off when you exit the courtroom over here. And you have no further business
with the court”.
The verdict sparked protest marches in San Francisco,
Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington and Atlanta which took place overnight.
Debate is ongoing regarding racial profiling in the US, and the “Stand Your
Ground” law which allowed Zimmerman to be released by Florida police on the
night of the shooting. The law allows citizens to use deadly force if they fear
for their lives.
Words By Khia Reynolds
