MIAMI — The civil rights groups that turned outrage over Trayvon Martin’s death into action say their work is far from over now that his killer has been charged with second-degree murder. Next, they hope to harness the activism to challenge Florida’s “stand your ground” law and similar statutes in 24 other states.
But they worry about maintaining their momentum during what could be a long judicial process and translating it into political action that could sway lawmakers. The leaders plan to use churches, social media and other means to rally the movement that has prompted protesters to take to the streets in several major cities.
“Arresting Zimmerman is the beginning of the process. This is a first down, not a touchdown,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson this week from Houston.
On Friday, the Florida judge overseeing the second-degree murder case involving neighborhood-watch volunteer George Zimmerman said she may have a conflict of interest.
Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler said during a brief hearing in Sanford, Fla., that her husband works with an attorney who referred Zimmerman to his current defense attorney.
The Associated Press
