SANFORD– More than one million people have joined a powerful campaign on Change.org calling for charges to be brought against a Florida man who admitted to shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African-American teenager walking through a gated community 3 weeks ago.
Spurred on by celebrity tweets, Facebook shares from friends, and extensive news coverage from major outlets across the country, the million-signature-strong campaign is experiencing unprecedented viral growth. Up to 50 thousand people per hour have signed the petition–making it the fastest-growing campaign ever started on the online petition site.
“I’m a normal mother,” said Sybrina Fulton, who is leading the campaign on Change.org with Trayvon’s father, Tracy Martin. “My heart is broken. I keep thinking he is going to walk in through the door and the nightmare is going to end. I just want justice for my son.”
“What makes Trayvon’s death so much harder is knowing that the man who confessed to killing him, George Zimmerman, still hasn’t been charged for Trayvon’s killing,” Tracy Martin said. “We aren’t looking for revenge, we’re looking for justice — the same justice anyone would expect if their son were shot and killed for no reason.”
Earlier this week, the Department of Justice and the FBI announced they would open an investigation into Trayvon’s case, while Florida’s State Attorney Norm Wolfinger stated that the case would head to a grand jury in April. Lawmakers in Florida and Governor Rick Scott have reportedly indicated that Trayvon’s case has prompted them to consider a reevaluation of the “Stand Your Ground” laws that have formed the basis of Zimmerman’s defense. Last night, rallies were held in support of Sybrina and Tracy’s campaign for justice for Trayvon, with the largest taking place in New York City. A large rally is also planned in Sanford, FL on Monday.
“It is incredible to see the overwhelming support Tracy and Sybrina have received for their petition,” said Change.org Senior Campaigner Jonathan Perri. “Trayvon’s story has resonated with people around the world and made this one of the largest campaigns in Change.org’s history. Change.org is about empowering anyone, anywhere to demand action on the issues that matter to them, and it has been inspiring to watch over a million people join their campaign.”
Trayvon Martin was shot and killed while walking from a store where he had just purchased a bag of Skittles and an iced tea for his younger brother. According to reports, Zimmerman called police to report a suspicious person after he saw Martin walking back from the store. Despite police instructing him not to confront Martin, Zimmerman allegedly approached the teenager. Witnesses say a scuffle ensued before Zimmerman shot the unarmed teen in the chest with a semi-automatic pistol, killing Trayvon.
