New Black Panther Party members are prepping for rallies and gatherings in the wake of the George Zimmerman murder trial, but are coy on whether violence, riots and other chaotic outbursts are potential — or welcome — offshoots of those events.
On the one hand, NBPP members promise on their Twitter site that they will not engage in any sort of unlawful outbursts if the second-degree murder trial in Florida ends in a not-guilty verdict.
The pertinent tweet: “All over the nation in case Zimmerman is exonerated … we will engage in no unlawful activity.”
But on the other hand, the group’s Twitter site is alive and kicking with fresh updates about a planned Sept. 7 rally to show solidarity with 17-year-old shooting victim Trayvon Martin — complete with admissions: “We can’t and WON’T try to control the general dissatisfied population. For sure we are ORGANIZING.”
That tweet included a photo of a flier for the NBPP’s Millions for Trayvon youth march, set for early September at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building in New York.
And at least one member of the NBPP has headed down to the Florida site of Mr. Zimmerman’s trial — to do what, isn’t specified.
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The tweet: “I’ll be making my way to Florida for post-verdict activities. Can’t sit this one out.”
A series of tweets posted in the same time frame reference the potential for post-trial violence — and the NBPP’s attitude toward that likelihood.
“If Zimmerman is acquitted there is likely to be unrest all over America. It will be way beyond the capacity of the NBPP,” the tweet read.
Another, in the same time frame: “From what we are hearing there is a HIGH chance of rebellion across the nation if Zimmerman is acquitted on all charges.”
And a third: “New Black Panther Party will not give you specific details on anything other than to say we have rallies and street maneuvers planned.”
Telephone calls to three separate numbers listed on two NBPP websites weren’t returned.
Still, the group’s negative view of Mr. Zimmerman is clear.
One tweet, after one perceived damaging prosecution argument: “Wiped that smile off his [expletive] face with that withering closing argument against him.”
Another: “Zimmerman exposed on closing arguments as a lying, conniving, manipulating scheming underhanded profiling devil.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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