ATLANTA — One week after a Florida jury found George Zimmerman not guilty in the death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, rallies are scheduled in 100 cities to press for civil rights charges against the former neighborhood watch leader.
Zimmerman claimed self-defense after shooting Martin during an altercation. The case has become a flashpoint in national debates over guns, race relations and self-defense laws. Zimmerman identifies as Hispanic. Martin was black.
The Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network has organized the "Justice for Trayvon" rallies and vigils outside federal buildings from New York and Los Angeles to Des Moines, Iowa, and Little Rock, Ark. He wants the Justice Department to pursue a case.
The group says Martin's mother and brother will attend the New York event. His father will appear in Miami.