STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. GREGORY W. MEEKS ON THE JURY VERDICT IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF TRAYVON MARTIN

July 13, 2013

STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. GREGORY W. MEEKS ON THE JURY VERDICT IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF TRAYVON MARTIN

Excerpt: Our justice system says we must abide by a jury’s decision. But abiding by a jury’s decision does not require that we agree with it — particularly when a verdict may have the effect of sanctioning racial profiling; of depriving African American citizens of standing their ground in asserting their right to walk through any neighborhood in the land without being followed, harassed, or worse, shot by anyone who takes a mind to do so.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement on the jury verdict in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin:

“As a former prosecutor, I understand in detail, and on the basis of considerable experience, how our criminal justice system works. I understand from direct experience that no matter how ably the prosecution presents a case, no matter how substantively a prosecutor may think the evidence proves a defendant’s guilt, or how methodically a prosecutor presents a case, neither the presentation of the evidence or the evidence are always accurate predictors of a jury’s decision.

“As a citizen and a Member of Congress, I am deeply disappointed that the jury acquitted George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. While we may never fully know what went into the jury’s decision, what is manifestly evident is that had George Zimmerman not racially profiled Trayvon Martin; had George Zimmerman not taken it upon himself to go beyond the duties of neighborhood watch member and assume the role of a vigilante; had George Zimmerman simply stayed in his vehicle as he was instructed to do by the Sanford police; had George Zimmerman not stalked his victim; Trayvon Martin would be alive today.

“Our justice system says we must abide by a jury’s decision. But abiding by a jury’s decision does not require that we agree with it — particularly when a verdict may have the effect of sanctioning racial profiling; of depriving African American citizens of standing their ground in asserting their right to walk through any neighborhood in the land without being followed, harassed, or worse, shot by anyone who takes a mind to do so.

“We are a country of laws and trial by jury. I ask that all who are disappointed or dejected by this verdict bear in mind that there are processes and procedures for changing laws or making laws more just. More than that, I would hope that our nation will conduct a badly needed conversation about the consequences of racial profiling. I hope that our common humanity compels us to say that we cannot be content that a 17 year old youngster, who did nothing wrong — absolutely nothing — will never go home to his family while George Zimmerman is free to go home to his family.” [END]