A jury of six women found neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman not guilty of all charges on Saturday in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Here are some quotes from key figures involved in the case:
“We’re ecstatic with the results. George Zimmerman was never guilty of anything except protecting himself in self-defense.”
— Mark O’Mara, one of George Zimmerman’s attorneys, at a news conference after the verdict
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“Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY”
— Trayvon Martin’s father, Tracy Martin, via Twitter
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“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. 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.”
— The Rev. Al Sharpton
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“Message from Dad: “Our whole family is relieved”. Today… I’m proud to be an American. God Bless America! Thank you for your prayers!
— George Zimmerman’s brother, Robert, on Twitter
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“We lost a young man due to senseless violence, but justice did not prevail. Last year we pushed for the arrest of George Zimmerman and a thorough investigation and trial. Today, we are still called to act. No one should be allowed to use this law to commit a senseless crime again.”
— Adora Obi Nweze, president of the Florida NAACP State Conference
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“I don’t think this is a time for high-fiving.”
— Robert Zimmerman Jr., George Zimmerman’s brother, on CNN after the verdict
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“My heart is with Sybrina Fulton, Rachel Jeantel, everyone who loved Trayvon and has been sent the message that his life didn’t matter.”
— Filmmaker and actress Lena Dunham, creator and star of HBO’s “Girls,” via Twitter
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“The death of Trayvon Martin shows that we must all work harder to shed the dangerous stereotypes that can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and our society.”
— Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed
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