by guest blogger Ben
News coverage has spread nationally regarding the murder of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old boy who was gunned-down by an armed vigillante in an Orlando suburb. Trayvon was unarmed and had just finished purchasing a bag of Skittles and an iced tea from a convenience store. While walking home, Trayvon was pursued by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. Zimmerman followed Trayvon in his car, defying the advice of 911 operators to not pursue the teenager or exit his vehicle.
After hanging up with the 911 operator, Zimmerman continued to pursue Trayvon (who was now running in an attempt to evade Zimmerman chasing him in his vehicle). Zimmerman stopped his vehicle, exited, drew a weapon, and fatally shot Trayvon. Other neighbors had placed calls to 911 in the intervening time; Trayvon can be heard calling for help and pleading for his life in the last few moments before gun shots can be heard on the 911 tapes.
Zimmerman was not arrested and is not currently being prosecuted because of Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law - one which allows citizens to use deadly force against individuals who they have "reasonable suspicion" intend to harm them. Similar laws exist in states throughout the country and are being pushed by groups like the NRA.
Mother Jones Magazine has published an excellent synopsis of the case, including copies of the audio recordings from 911 operators and other media coverage. These can be viewed here:
http://motherjones.com/politics/2012/03/what-happened-trayvon-martin-explained
Glen Beck, a conservative radio and FOX News personality, has called Trayvon the "aggressor" on his website, The Blaze. According to Beck, Trayvon was the aggressor in the confrontation with Zimmerman. The articles continue that the Rev. Al Sharpton is inciting racial conflict by advocating for Trayvon and for the arrest and prosecution of Zimmerman.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/al-sharpton-dismisses-self-defense-argument-in-shooting-of-teen/
http://motherjones.com/mojo/2012/03/glenn-beck-blaze-trayvon-martin
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