Makeshift Billboard A Sign Tensions Still High Following Zimmerman Verdict
DETROIT (WWJ) - George Zimmerman's not guilty verdict came down in Florida over the weekend, but tensions remained high days later in Detroit.
That message was plain on Wednesday as motorists heading into downtown via I-75 were faced with a sign that read, in red block lettering: F— Zimmerman."
A six-member jury on Saturday acquitted Zimmerman of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was unarmed.
The makeshift billboard was seen during the morning commute and was still up after noon. Who posted the message was unclear, but it's been drawing plenty of attention.
"It's kind of amusing ... but it shouldn't be in a public place like that," said 19-year-old Maria, a University of Michigan student from Northville. "But I sort of agree ... I mean, I like it." (Post your reaction in the comments section below)
Vigils and rallies focused on the verdict continue this week and are planned for the weekend, nationwide.
Wednesday afternoon in Detroit, the Committee on Social Concerns of the Michigan Progressive Baptist Convention hosted a Town Hall meeting on the topic. Michael E. Wagner, Wayne County 36th District Court Judge was scheduled to attend to discuss questions and suggestions rising from trial and verdict.
Meantime, the Justice Department said Wednesday it will sift through trial testimony, interviews and other evidence during what is likely to be a months-long investigation into whether Zimmerman violated Martin's civil rights when he shot the black teenager.
The key to charging Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch volunteer, lies in whether evidence exists that he was motivated by racial animosity to kill Martin, who shot during a fight with Zimmerman in February 2012. And while Martin's family has said the teen was racially profiled, no evidence surfaced during the state trial that Zimmerman had a racial bias.
MORE: Biggby Coffee Suspends New Hire After Disparaging Trayvon Tweet
Five Great Ways To Change The Subject When Someone Wants To Talk About The Zimmerman Verdict [BLOG]
