Politics & Government

Kasim Reed Reacts to George Zimmerman 'Not Guilty' Verdict

Georgia Zimmerman is found not guilty of murder or manslaughter of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

By Marc Richardson

Statement from Mayor Kasim Reed on the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman VerdictΒ 

ATLANTA --- "The genuine tragedy of the Trayvon Martin case is that a mother and father lost their son senselessly. I find it troubling that a 17-year-old cannot walk to a corner store for candy without putting his life in danger. I find it more troubling that a citizen could not see a young African-American youth without immediately concluding that he was up to no good.

While I disagree with the jury's verdict, we must respect it. This case reminds me why my number one priority as Mayor [of Atlanta] is public safety. I work every day to create a safer city where our sworn police officers are trained and equipped to effectively uphold the law, so that our residents feel secure in their neighborhoods and our diverse communities respect each other. The death of Trayvon Martin shows that we must all work harder to shed the dangerous stereotypes that can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and our society."

#End of Mayor Reed's Statement #

Did the jury reach the correct verdict? Tell us in comments.

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