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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Statement on Justice Department Decision Not to Pursue Civil Rights Charges Against George Zimmerman in the Death of Trayvon Martin

Miami, FL, February 25, 2015

Miami, FL - Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement:

"The Justice Department decision is disappointing. This decision should embolden us to work and change laws governing investigations of civil rights violations by the federal government.

"We are aware of the "use-of-force matrix" that provides levels of protection for police officers who engage unarmed citizens. But there is no justification for a man like George Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watch captain, who got away with killing an unarmed 17-year-old boy. Trayvon was stalked, followed, made to fight for his life, and murdered. Trayvon was a child.

"I am still haunted by the jury's decision in the trial, which was partially based on who was yelling for help. An armed perpetrator would not be yelling for help. To argue that George Zimmerman was yelling for help is unconscionable. Having a gun empowers you. Trayvon was yelling for help when he realized Zimmerman was about to murder him with his gun. When that gun was fired Trayvon's call for help was silenced.

"I do hope that Trayvon's senseless death at the hands of George Zimmerman, will continue to spur and open up dialogue about racial profiling, and put an end to this type of violence that is claiming the lives of too many African-American boys and men.

"Let us continue to uplift Trayvon's family and give them the support they need as they reconcile with the U.S. Department of Justice's decision and the loss of their son," said Congresswoman Wilson.

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.