The Congressional Black Caucus Introduces Resolution Calling for Justice for Trayvon Martin

Washington, DC – Members of the Congressional Black Caucus led by Chairman Cleaver, Congressman Alcee Hastings, Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson offered the following Resolution on death of Trayvon Martin and the controversial gun laws surrounding his death:

 

Chairman Emanuel Cleaver:

“As the Department of Justice continues its thorough investigation into Trayvon Martin’s untimely death, it is time for us as legislators to look at the troubling ‘Stand Your Ground’ law, which has enabled George Zimmerman to remain free. To honor Trayvon’s life and protect others, it is imperative that we shine a light on this controversial, dangerous, and sometimes, deadly law that has been adopted in over 20 states, to protect our communities, and the integrity of  our nation’s legal system. I applaud Congressman Hastings, Congresswoman Brown, Congresswoman Wilson and others Members of Congress for their tireless fight for justice for Trayvon.”

 

Congressman Alcee Hastings:

“Florida’s misguided ‘Stand Your Ground’ law does not make our streets safer, rather it turns our streets into a showdown at the OK Corral.  But this is not the Wild West.  We are supposed to be a civilized society.  Let Trayvon’s death not be for naught.  Let us honor his life by righting this wrong, and seeing that justice is served for Trayvon and his family.  George Zimmerman must be prosecuted for his admitted shooting of Trayvon Martin and the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law must be repealed.”

 

Congresswoman Corrine Brown:

“As the conscience of the United States Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus has introduced H. Res. 612 in a quest for justice for Trayvon Martin, and an attempt to revise the misused Stand Your Ground Law so we do not witness a similar situation in the future.  Our nation desperately needs to know that our legal system is capable of bringing about a fair resolution to this tragic situation.”

 

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson:

“I thank Chairman Cleaver, my fellow Floridians Corinne Brown and Alcee Hastings and the CBC for honoring the life of my constituent Trayvon Martin. His death is a tragedy that should not have happened, and it speaks to the reality that racial profiling still exists in America.”