MLK Remembrance Service Dedicated To Trayvon Martin
MIAMI (CBSMiami) — The parents of Trayvon Martin attended a candlelight memorial service Wednesday night commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior who was shot and killed at a Memphis, Tennessee hotel 44 years ago today.
The "Reclaim the Dream" service, which included a unity march, candlelight prayer and gospel concert, was dedicated to Trayvon Martin who was shot and killed by a self-proclaimed neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Florida who claimed he shot in self-defense when Martin attacked him. No charges have been filed.
"Do you think this has been a rush to judgment by the media?" asked host Sean Hannity.
"It's absolutely been a rush to judgment," replied Zimmerman's father.
Zimmerman's attorney Craig Sonner told CNN the evidence the public has seen is no good.
"Not a single thing has been brought into the media that would be admissible in court," said Sonner.
Meantime, state lawmaker Chris Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, has appointed his own task force to scrutinize Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' law in the wake of the shooting death of the unarmed teen.
Gov. Rick Scott announced plans for a state task force but wants to hold off until after an investigation into the Feb 26th shooting.
Sen. Smith doesn't want to wait. He said Tuesday that action is needed now.
Smith said his panel will include South Florida prosecutors, public defenders and legal scholars, who will consider whether the law should be changed or repealed.
The "Stand Your Ground' law that was passed in 2005 allows the use of deadly force "to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm" and "to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony." It eliminated the duty to retreat before using such force as required in a previous self-defense law.
"Florida is in a crisis mode," Smith said at a news conference. "It's time for leaders to lead, and it's time for action."
Smith's panel will meet Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, where it will hear comments from judges, a tourism official and members of the public.
The Trayvon Martin case has stirred marches and rallies around the nation, merited comment from President Barack Obama, led to the resignation of the Sanford police chief and brought scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice.