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Posted on Mon, Mar 26, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.

U-M students organize 'hoodie' rally in support of Trayvon Martin

By AnnArbor.com Staff

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A crowd of University of Michigan students gathered on the Diag at 8 p.m. Monday to show support for Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teen who was killed by a neighborhood watchman in Florida.

Sanita Thomas, a junior from Grand Rapids, organized the event last week through Facebook, and it gained support from hundreds of students.

She asked participants to wear hoodies, the attire that's become a sign of support for Martin because he wore one when he was killed.

Comments

Scylding

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.

This morning, I saw something on the ABC cop-shop video (linked in posts above) that I missed before and almost everyone else is missing, too. Watch the video again. Expand it to full-screen, then pause it at points spanning 1:06-1:07. In that segment, I am seeing a long slice and surrounding redness on the back of Zimmerman's head. Remember, you're watching grainy security footage under flourescent lighting, which does weird things to flesh-tone colors. I really do think there is some damage to the back of his head. As far as "no blood on his clothes," something else people are complaining about, he's wearing a red jacket and you are looking at, again, a grainy security video under poor lighting. Hardly the best conditions to be trying to spot red drops or dots on red fabric. Again, I was expecting more trauma, but I'm definitely not going to go with "nothing there," and I think people would be making a mistake if they were to stick with that. Many commenters aren't being careful enough. They aren't taking the time to listen and look the way the professionals are certainly doing. They are listening and looking once or twice and jumping to the conclusion they want. I'm no professional, I admit, but I'm trying hard to be careful. Jumping to conclusions is inflaming the situation.

a2citizen

Sat, Mar 31, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.

sure num,...you can tell from a low quality video that Mr. Zimmerman does not have cotton in his nose. And a police officer makes a legal statement, which, if found out to be a lie, would cost him his job. This police officer was six inches from Mr. Zimmerman, says that there was blood. And you dispute that?

mun

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.

Question, Scylding: If George Zimmerman was beaten and bloodied, why are there no bandages on his nose and no cotton in his nostrils? Can you clean up a bloody nose within an hour? And if he was beaten, how come he is able to get out of the police car easily despite being in handcuffs? Most people in handcuffs get helped out of the car by police.

Booradley

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.

People are too quick to judge. What about all the young children, including the 6th month old, who was recently murdered in Detroit. Where are you people? I've thrown out my hoodies since its become a symbol of radicalism.

a2citizen

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.

Direct quotation from initial police report of Officer T. Smith, the first officer on the scene: "...While I was in such close contact with Zimmerman, I could observe that his back appeared to be wet and covered in grass, as if he had been laying on his back on the ground. Zimmerman was also bleeding from the nose and the back of his head..." http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/images/03/28/sanford_files/PoliceReports.pdf

Scylding

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 2:47 a.m.

@a2citizen: Yeah, that's the video I meant when I said "this video" in my first response. I noticed the cop look at his head the first time I watched it, too. Thinking that through a little further, if it were a cover-up, everyone would know that there's no point in looking at his head. But, you know, a2, that's exactly what the brigade you mention is implying. BTW, ya' gotta love ABC. They put the "ABC Exclusive" graphic right over Zimmerman's head through the 1st 3/4 of the video. I haven't watched ABC since, like, the 1980's. Hard to believe they're still around.

a2citizen

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 2:33 a.m.

Scylding...take a look at the video that some of sharpton's brigade have been posting. At the 48-second mark an officer is clearing looking at the injuries on the back of Mr. Zimmerman's head.

Scylding

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.

Also, so much for the 250-300 pound Zimmerman we've been hearing about. Looks about 170 to 175 to me. That's what Joe Oliver, Zimmerman's friend, had said, that he was a lighter man than in that 6-7 year-old picture the MSM has been using, the mugshot. Guess Joe wasn't lying or leading us astray.

Scylding

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.

While I will admit that I did expect to see more trauma, I believe the police report mentions that Z received 1st aid in a cruiser on the scene, which is before this video, of course. That would mean that the blood could have been cleaned up. If he was not injured, why the verbiage you show above, and why did he receive 1st aid? If none of that is true, then every cop involved is in on a cover up. That stretches credulity.

mun

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.

Video of George Zimmerman the night of the shooting. Where are the injuries on George? http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/george-zimmerman-police-surveillance-16024475

mun

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.

a2citizen, If George Zimmerman was beaten and bloodied, why are there no bandages on his nose and no cotton in his nostrils? Can you clean up a bloody nose within an hour? And if he was beaten, how come he is able to get out of the police car easily despite being in handcuffs? Most people in handcuffs get helped out of the car by police. And if he was injured, why no photos showing George Zimmerman's injuries. I think that would be necessary when invoking self defense.

a2citizen

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.

mun, why is the cop looking at Mr. Zimmerman's head at the 48 second mark? Direct quotation from initial police report of Officer T. Smith, the first officer on the scene: "...While I was in such close contact with Zimmerman, I could observe that his back appeared to be wet and covered in grass, as if he had been laying on his back on the ground. Zimmerman was also bleeding from the nose and the back of his head..." http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/images/03/28/sanford_files/PoliceReports.pdf

Paul Kersey

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 11:21 a.m.

Those silly kids don't even know the facts of the story yet. They should get to class and stop wasting the money that their parents are blowing on them.

a2citizen

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:38 a.m.

mun, what would really be cool is the students exercising their 1st and 2nd Amendment rights.

mun

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.

Yes, it is so silly that these "kids" exercise their 1st Amendment rights to express their opion. They need to just accept authority and not question it.

Scylding

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 3:02 a.m.

I don't know how many times now I have heard, "If George Zimmerman had listened to the police and stayed in his SUV, Trayvon Martin would still be alive." If you listen to Zimmerman's 911 call carefully, it isn't until he is huffing and puffing and the wind is blowing into his phone's receiver that the dispatcher asks, "are you following him?" Zimmerman is not in good shape and he is getting winded very quickly. With difficulty, he answers, "yes." "Okay, we don't need you to do that," says the dispatcher. "Okay," replies Zimmerman. He was NOT in his car when the dispatcher said this to him, unless he had his head out of the window and it somehow fatigues him to drive a car. This also debunks the ongoing meme that he was told "not to chase him." No, it was, "we don't need you to do that," and there is a difference. (Regardless, I think it is clear that Zimmerman did in fact stop chasing, which I will deal with in a second.) Finally, there are the ongoing claims that Zimmerman chased TM down and confronted him. There is no public evidence of that at this point. In fact, it is evident from the 911 call that Zimmerman did stop following TM. First, immediately after being told "you don't need to do that," Zimmerman says, "he ran." If he were still following, he would have said, "he's running." Second, the wind noise in the microphone stops and Zimmerman's breathing slows. Finally, we find out that he lost sight of TM, just like he reported to the police that he had. How do we know? Near the end of the call, when the dispatcher asks him where he lives, Zimmerman is reluctant to tell him because he fears that TM may be nearby in the darkness. That is why he says, "It's a home, it's 1950, oh crap I don't want to give it all out, I don't know where this kid is." I'll be glad to hear contrary theories…

The Black Stallion3

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.

Looks like A2.com is one sided.

Scylding

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 12:21 p.m.

I would love to hear Monica's voicemail. I think it would be most interesting.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:07 p.m.

They must have listened to Monica's voice mail.

say it plain

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.

Wow, these comments truly indicate one messed-up nation. It might have been better for us all when our neighbors' opinions weren't quite so readily accessible...

The Black Stallion3

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.

Looks to me like the more evidence that leaks out the more their is a strong possibility of self defense here although I am not going to speculate on the outcome. I do believe all you people marching and calling for the death penalty for the shooter are premature in your thinking and following nothing but hear say which is not a good path to follow.

mun

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.

Video of George Zimmerman on night of shooting. No wounds on the back of his head, no blood. http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/trayvon-martin-case-exclusive-surveillance-video-george-zimmerman/story?id=16022897#.T3Otj2Egc1J

russellr

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.

Okay that's good, but what about all the killings that go on in Detroit every day????

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.

You need to talk to the great people of Detroit about that, they do not want outsiders involved in their affairs.

maallen

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.

When the media started reporting this story they interviewed Trayvon Martin's dad. In the interview, Mr. Martin said he didn't know where his son was that night. He thought his son was hanging out with his 20 year old cousin. So what did Mr. Martin do? He went to bed. It wasn't until the next morning when he saw that his son did not come home did he call the police. Eventually the police showed up at his door and broke the news. Based on this interview, it leaves tons of questions. You don't know where your 16/17 year old son is? Especially after he received a 10 day suspension? You just go to bed? The media reported that Trayvon was going to Mr. Martin's girlfriend's house. Some media reports say he was staying there. If that is the case then why didn't Mr. Martin know this? There is so much to this story reported by the media that does not add up.

maallen

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.

@northside, Apparently things have to be spelled out. A teenager was killed. The media, in their rush to judgement, sensationalized the story claiming racism between white and black. The media painted Trayvon as a nice, calm, trouble free teenager. If the dad would have been a parent to the child, Trayvon would be alive. What parent wouldn't know where their child was at night? And then go to bed? The dad thought he was with his 20 year old cousin, but the child was in the dad's girlfriend's neighborhood. Why? There are so many questions that the media chooses to ignore. Instead they are quick to make this out as a white vs black racism only to come and find out the shooter is not white. If the shooter is white, then President Obama is white.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:55 p.m.

Someone is not paying attention

northside

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.

How does all of that have anything to do with a teenager being shot?

The Black Stallion3

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.

Does this make you wonder why these people are out having rally's and shouting about a murder when they have no evidence. I see sheep following one another but they are calm about it.

Dog Guy

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.

Was Trayvon Obama's son or not?

Chase Ingersoll

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.

It is especially distressing that our community is filled with so many young women with access to a first rate education are so blinded by their own prejudices against (you name it) that they are out in support of a young man who by virtue of his digital record is now publicly established as a misogynist. http://www.scribd.com/doc/86809463/Trayvon-s-Tweets-the-Daily-Caller If you read the above in detail, it offers perspective as to why it is believable that he was so angered by being followed and in a fit of rage attacked the person that was following him. The Twitter moniker alone is enough to indicate a severe self loathing and lack of the sort of basic level of self esteem possessed by any reasonable person that would have walked away or while perhaps saying something would not have attacked a person who followed them. Chase Ingersoll

a2citizen

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 2:46 a.m.

northside: that "...Zimmerman sure looks to be in good shpare for a guy who just had his nose broken and head smashed against the pavement..." is a compliment to the first aid he received from Sanford FD. Direct quotation from the police report of the first reponding officer: "Zimmerman was placed in the rear of my police vehicle and was given first aid by the SFD." http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/images/03/28/sanford_files/PoliceReports.pdf

northside

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.

If this surveillance video taken not long after the killing is accurate, Zimmerman sure looks to be in good shape for a guy who just had his nose broken and head smashed against pavement: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/trayvon-martin-case-exclusive-surveillance-video-george-zimmerman/story?id=16022897#.T3O29Y5PZe4

Chase Ingersoll

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

northside: Trayvons death will end up being LEGALLY JUSTIFIED because of the testimony of now 6 witnesses that observed Trayvon sitting on top of George and beating Georges head into the curb, Georges broken nose, bleeding back of head and the recorded phone calls George made to 911. What the Twitter, school, police record of Trayvon and what he was heard to say by witnesses before he smashed George in the face is that Trayvon, at the age of 17 was immersed and fully inculcated in the "thug" culture, with a fully developed chip on his shoulder against anyone that would be in the opposing culture of law abiding citizens that look out for their neighbors and neighbors property. George is the kind of person that I would want in my neighborhood, and I think that the antics of Sharpton, Jackson, and Spike Lee et al, are jut going to make a Joe the Plumber type of figure out of George and be the last straw for a number of Hispanics and Jews who will turn in their Democratic Party registrations and become Independents. This is personal to me, because like George, I have black relatives, friends and business partners and I have also been the subject of all kinds of slander and even physical assault for using the legal process to protect myself and property against actions perpetrated by young black males who felt that past racial bias by others justified physical violence against me and my property. Chase Ingersoll

northside

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.

Chase is trying to justify a teenager's death because of Twitter posts. The posts are certainly crude, explicit, and yes, misogynist, but to link that to his being shot in a situation involving murky circumstances is appalling. A lot of male teenagers unfortunately engage in bravado. Among some black teenagers it takes the form seen on Trayvon's Twitter feed. At a white suburban high school the language used would be different but the content much the same. Tons of teenage boys are taught to disrespect women but it doesn't mean they're at fault if they get shot. My link to Chase's answers when he ran for political office was solely to point out that one might exercise caution when it comes to exposing others - and making harsh conclusions about them - via internet postings.

Scylding

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 12:20 p.m.

@northside: nothing there to suggest that Chase should not have noted TM's misogyny. It is sad that a no doubt sweet kid (the young TM of the early pictures) was later drawn to gang culture, complete with idolizing cash-brandishing braggadocio, violence (pics of guns all over his Myspace page, and jokes about becoming violent with a bus driver), and the denegration of women. I think Chase was right to note this. It is interesting that you felt it was necessary to get personal like that. Retribution? Bullying? Keep up the good work, Chase.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.

Chase...I find the web site northside is referring to quit interesting. Too bad others can't be as honest as you. Very good site.

northside

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.

Chase you certainly can learn all kinds of interesting things about people on the internet: http://www.annarbor.com/elections/voter_guide/1/michigan-house-district-53/chase-ingersoll/

Dcam

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.

From a Sarasota, FL trial and AP yesterday. "...on Monday, Jermaine Bane said Tyson accidentally called him the night of the slayings, and Bane heard Tyson say to someone "Who are those crackers walking past the park" — referring to the two British tourists.... Shortly thereafter, Bane said, he heard gunshots." (To the tourists, who had asked Tyson for directions because they were lost and had no money on them) ""He said 'Well since you ain't got no money I got something for your #$%$'" Washington recalled Tyson saying on the day after the killings." "Recounted Washington: "He shot one of them in the side and one of them fell instantly and the other one was crying for his life. He shot him."" "...a portrait of Tyson began to emerge. He was 16 at the time of the shooting, was in the eighth grade..." Was that a 'hate crime'? Shouldn't the FBI be looking into it, or is 'cracker' a term of endearment?

Superior Twp voter

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.

Ah yes, the "hoodie." The modern uniform of gang-bangers whether the bangers are white, green, yellow, red, brown, or black. The hoodie uniform is accompanied often by black baggy "pants" and some untied felony-flyer "athletic" shoes. Certainly mode of dress we should all aspire to and emulate.

Davidian

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 2:37 p.m.

I think people need to exercise a little restraint. Only one extremely vague side of the story has been presented, and it's all conjecture at that. More and more details are emerging that may support the shooter's side of the story. We just don't know enough yet. I think we all need to wait until the facts are out before we rush to judgment. This could be a Duke Rape Case or a Tawana Brawley all over again. The extremely irresponsible media certainly isn't helping things either.

Wolf's Bane

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.

Trayvon Martin's killer needs to be brought to justice. If Zimmerman had listened to Police and stayed in is car Trayvon would still be alive. Granted, Trayvon may have had a wounded ego, but at least his family would have seen him again alive. Please remember: Zimmerman consciously made a choice to follow Trayvon despite being asked not to do so. This constitutes murder.

a2citizen

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 2:29 a.m.

Madonna, the police did not tell Mr. Zimmerman, the real victim here, to stay in his truck. As a matter of fact of you read some of the coverage in the Orlando Sentinal you would know that Mr. Zimmerman lost sight of martin and was returning to his truck. Martin then come up from behind Mr. Zimmerman and confronted him. So martin conciously made a choice to follow Mr. Zimmerman, punch him, then bang his head into the sidewalk. The gunshot was self defense.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.

I'm sorry Madonna, I must wait for our judicial system to investigate before I say anyone was murdered, there is a thing called self defense and it has not been ruled out to my knowledge.

Wolf's Bane

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.

Listen to the audio tape. It is all there. You just need to listen to the tapes. Murder is murder.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.

Are you sure you have all the facts to back up this statement? You obviously know more than the authorities.

justcurious

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.

A bag of Skittles and a can of ice tea. That is what Trayvon had. Later he was pleading for his life in the background of a 911 call. http://sandrarose.com/2012/03/911-call-trayvon-martin-cried-for-help-before-gunshot/ Some believe they hear his killer say "Fu%4in' co%ns" in the first call. I don't believe his killer is alleged at this point.

Scylding

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.

@justcurious: there is a witness who says that he SAW that it was Zimmerman who was crying "help, help" to him while TM was on top of Zimm "beating him up." This backs up Zimmerman's own statement to the police. By contrast, there is no witness who says that they SAW TM yelling "help." I realize that it is inconvenient when witnesses say things you don't want, but you cannot ignore them just because they don't fit your narrative.

Unusual Suspect

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.

"Some believe" is not how our legal system works, fortunately.

a2citizen

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.

listen again...he says "...punks"

The Black Stallion3

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.

After seeing the pictures of the real Trayvon of today, not the innocent little boy pictures the press are showing, and seeing his involvement with the gangs, I have a much different opinion of him. Some one in the press needs to start publishing the truth and nothing but the truth. Looks to me like there are some apologies that need to be handed out by all these outraged citizens. Thank you Pick for sharing these pictures.

a2citizen

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.

Naive? pickfordick, you must be new in town. A2 is 27 square miles surrounded by reality. Northside, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, what is it?

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.

Hard to believe some are so nieve

northside

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.

Stallion there's only one verified picture of Trayvon at that link, the head shot at the top. I see a teenage boy who looks like a lot of teenage boys: apparently at home (dartboard in background), awkwardly trying to smile for a social media profile photo. That's it. I can't determine anything about his character from that photo. What is it that you see?

The Black Stallion3

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.

northside.....are you joking with me? Surely you see what I see in those pictures.....surely.

northside

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10 p.m.

Stallion I'm impressed: you can tell what someone is like solely based on pictures? As for that link where is the evidence of gang involvement? There's a bunch of stuff about tattoos, ONE of his friends flashing what is alleged to be a gang sign, and well, that's about it.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.

Let's keep it real and refrain from launching personal attacks against "you people" until we have all the evidence, Shall we?

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1 p.m.

Something you may want to see before making Trayvon out to be an innocent young boy http://patdollard.com/2012/03/was-trayvon-martin-a-drug-dealing-gangbanger/

a2citizen

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.

mun, I don't recall anyone in these forums objecting to mentioning Mr. Zimmerman's record. Although you should be careful because a2.com will delete your comment if they feel you are blaming the victim (who, in this case, is Mr. Zimmerman).

mun

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.

George Zimmerman has an arrest record too. Why is it not OK to bring that up?

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.

He is also not the little boy you say he is, all I can do is show you the facts, the pictures do not lie. Sorry.

clownfish

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.

Is that why you posted a link with "drug dealing gangbanger" in it, because you are waiting for the facts?

clownfish

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.

wow! A young man gets caught with a small amount of marijuana and is caught in a restricted area of his school and all of a sudden he is a drug dealing gang banger. No, I am sure there is no racism involved in this. Nope. None.

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.

I suggest you wait until the evidence is made public before making statements that are only hearsay now. Unless of course you have seen the evidence first hand and care to share it.

clownfish

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.

Trevon is a dead boy. All Zimmerman had to do was leave him alone, instead he chose to be a threat to Trevon.

Chase Ingersoll

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 12:53 p.m.

I see these kids are supporters of Rush. Rush To Judgement that is. My suggestion is: If Al and Jesse are on their way; It's best that all, just walk away, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawana_Brawley_rape_allegations http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/15/nyregion/sharpton-s-debt-in-brawley-defamation-is-paid-by-supporters.html?ref=tawanabrawley http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_lacrosse_case Claimed rape victim, could face murder charge: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20053911-504083.html http://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/tommybennett1.pdf

Pickforddick

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.

How do you explain this? http://backwoodshome.com/blogs/MassadAyoob/2012/03/23/george-zimmerman-and-trayvon-martin-what-we-dont-know/

lilypooch

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.

This story is a little closer to home: "The suspect is described as black, in his 20s, with a medium complexion, about six feet tall, between 180 and 185 pounds with a medium build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up over his head, Bush said.", the description of the suspect who attempted to rob a man on Greenbriar.

tdw

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.

Oh for crying out loud these kids have too much time on their hands when they can make a big deal over something that Gerlodo Revera ( I don't know how to spell his name ) said

Michael K.

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.

Didn't Treyvon have a right to "Stand His Ground" when being pursued by Zimmerman? Even a cop who shot an unarmed teen would be suspended

Roadman

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 5:23 a.m.

The Shaima Al-Awadi case and the Trayvon Martin cases are both tragedies. Let us wait until the law enforcement agencies complete their respective investigations to these homicides.

a2citizen

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.

wow, i finally agree with you.

Rabbit1

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 5:12 a.m.

The media has not acted responsibly. It has created a national furor that may cause more people to be hurt. I don't think it acted in the interest of the public. It has created a sensation just to sell its own wares. The media attention is doing more harm than good. The truth is that this was a complicated incident the facts of which have to be gathered and sorted out. It should be handled by the justice system and not by the media.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:25 a.m.

It's Ironic that the hoodie and hijab brigade is doing to this Zimmerman guy exactly what they accuse people of doing to them. I don't know what happened to Martin. I hope justice is served in any case. I don't think the people protesting have much interest in justice.

Snarf Oscar Boondoggle

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:09 a.m.

uhhh, >this< is a hate crime: "... received a note that read: 'You're a terrorist. You should move back to your country'." http://www.freep.com/article/20120326/NEWS07/203260370/Death-of-former-Dearborn-woman-sparks-outrage-police-say-it-could-be-hate-crime

a2citizen

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:05 a.m.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-26/news/hc-trayvon-martin-orlando-0327-20120326_1_unarmed-black-teenager-police-arizona-iced-tea With a single punch, Trayvon Martin decked the neighborhood watch volunteer who eventually shot to death the unarmed 17-year-old, then climbed on top of George Zimmerman and slammed his head into the sidewalk several times, leaving him bloody and battered, authorities told The Orlando Sentinel. That is the account Zimmerman gave police, and much of it has been corroborated by witnesses, authorities said. Well, if anyone is being violently assaulted by another I think the victim has the right to defend themself by, uh, "any means necessary".

a2citizen

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.

wow mun!!! You can tell there is no blood from low quality video? Seriously? Why is the cop looking at Mr. Zimmerman's head at the 48 second mark? Your analysis also conflicts with Officer T. Smith, the first officer on the scene. A direct quotation from the initial police report: "...While I was in such close contact with Zimmerman, I could observe that his back appeared to be wet and covered in grass, as if he had been laying on his back on the ground. Zimmerman was also bleeding from the nose and the back of his head..." http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/images/03/28/sanford_files/PoliceReports.pdf

mun

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.

"With a single punch, Trayvon Martin decked the neighborhood watch volunteer who eventually shot to death the unarmed 17-year-old, then climbed on top of George Zimmerman and slammed his head into the sidewalk several times, leaving him bloody and battered, authorities told The Orlando Sentinel" Video of George Zimmerman the night of the shooting. No injuries in the back of his head, no blood on him http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/george-zimmerman-police-surveillance-16024475

a2citizen

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.

Keepingitreal: "...Zimmerman is guilty?..." I'm surprised a2.com let you make that statement. Depending on who the victim is (in this case, Mr. ZImmerman), I understand why they let you make that statement. Had Mr. ZImmerman been black, a2.com would have deleted your comment. But he does not have to prove his innocence...you, al sharpton and jesse jackson need to prove him guilty....lotsa luck with that one. Try keeping it real. The police dispatcher did not tell Zimmerman to "stand down". He said "...we don't need you to do that..." . (I only listened to one recording and read a transcript, so I am open to being corrected if you can provide a link). Regardless, Mr. Zimmerman was under no obligation to listen to the police dispatcher. I live in a gated community and guess what...MY GATED COMMUNITY IS PRIVATE PROPETRTY. As part owner of this private property, I, every resident here and the security that we hire has the legal right to "confront" anyone we do not recognize who are walking on OUR PRIVATE PROPERTY. And if someone wants to be tough and "deck" a resident, or security... don't be an idiot and bring a bag of skittles to a gun fight. Regarding the ALLEGED racial slur: listen again, Mr. Zimmerman calls martin a "f----- punk". Maybe Mr. Zimmerman called the police 40 times about suspicious black men because 40 times they weren't white, Chinese or Hispanic. Anybody is legally entitled to report suspicious activity to the police. So real, put your hoodie on, buy yourself a bag of skittles, strut into a gated community and deck someone who asks you who you are. But like I said earlier...don't bring a bag of skittles to a gun fight. I'll crack open a beer, order a pizza and watch the fun from my porch..

KeepingItReal

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.

a2Citizen: How is it that the police dispatcher told Zimmerman to "stand down" and he not only continue to follow Martin, but he got out of his vehicle. In light of the fact that Martin was talking with his girlfriend and told her that a man was following him. She advise him to run and said he would not. This clearly shows Zimmerman to be the aggressor. His choice of adjectives in referring to Martin also shows undue hostilities and I believe there is a tape as obtained by the dispatcher that Zimmerman used a racial slur. Given Zimmerman so-called unauthorized actions, he probably confronted Martin and got decked. There is also the record that Zimmerman had made over 40 some calls to police regarding suspicious activities all involving young black males. That's one of the reason that he used the term ,"The assholes always get away." I'm curious as to why Zimmerman made all of these calls. What exactly was his connection to the police and why was there such an effort to cover up this and release so quickly. Why is it that Martin was tested for alcohol and drugs and Zimmerman was not. Why is it that Martin was left in the Morgue for three hours before his family was notified. These are very curious actions and I guarantee it will come out in the wash. Zimmerman is guilty. That's why he went into hiding. The coward

a2citizen

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.

Did you read the link galus? Zimmerman had lost site of martin and was returning to his vehicle. martin then came up from behind Zimmerman. How is this lawful. The kid punched Zimmerman in the nose and was beating his head into the cement (corroborated by witness. Again, did you read the link?) Sure, most of it is only Zimmerman's claim but, then again, he doesn't have to prove his innocence or that he is telling the truth. You have to prove his guilt and that he is lying. @Clownfish: sure martin was entitled to use deadly force. My only question is: did he legally register his bag of skittles? And some advice for the next person that decides to "stand their ground": Don't bring a bag of skittles to a gun fight.

clownfish

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.

gallus has this spot on. Florida Law says that if Trevon felt threatened he is allowed to use deadly force.

gallusgallus

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.

Zimmerman initiated the confrontation and when Martin "stood his ground," he shot him. How is this lawful?

Silly Sally

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.

It would make much more sense if the crowd of University of Michigan students gathered on the Diag at 8 p.m. Monday instead were to show their support for the three people who were shot on Thursday on the edge of the Eastern Michigan University campus by an African American suspect.. This is closer to home instead of 900 miles away. What happened to Trayvon Martin is a tragedy and his alleged killer seemingly has no excuse. But why are UM students getting concerned about this and never when the races are reversed? I remember in the late 1990s when 3 middle school kids hitched a ride on a train and when they got off in Flint, one boy was stabbed, the other killed, and the girl raped. There were no protests then, since the killers were black and the victims were white. Why the double standard?

Scylding

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.

Notice that when it is black assailants committing the crime, @Roadman rationalizes away any race motive and says that they were "street gang members who might have done the same thing to three black youngsters." Do gang members really just rape and kill everyone they come across? Can we be sure there was no race motive? Are 1/2 Peruvian guys automatically going to be more racist than black gang members? Why? There are a lot of racial assumptions built into Roadman's words, none of which I find very palatable.

EyeHeartA2

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.

@lugemachine; "Trayvon was acting in a 100% lawful and peaceful manner..." So were the boys that were killed and the girl that was raped "asking for it", "breaking the law", or what IS your point exactly?

Silly Sally

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.

@Roadman - How could "a black truck driver" transport a dead teen to safety? He was dead? "This was pointed out to the public by the media." yes, it was. Was it to distract readers from the black on white crime, as you are doing? But why no UM protest?

lugemachine

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 10:15 a.m.

I think the difference is (particularly in the Trayvon Martin case) that his killer has been identified and the law is saying what he did was just fine. People are upset because, until Zimmerman walked up to Trayvon and confronted him, Trayvon was acting in a 100% lawful and peaceful manner... Zimmerman created the situation that led to the confrontation that resulted in his killing Trayvon. Essentially, that means it's just fine to pick a fight with someone, and when they fight back, you can shoot them dead. Yep, I'd say that bothers me.

Roadman

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 5:30 a.m.

In the Flint case, it was a black truck driver who had stopped his vehicle and transported the three children to safety. This was pointed out to the public by the media. The assailants were street gang members who might have done the same thing to three black youngsters wandering into a dark area in a remote place. It was a particlurly heinous case where the raped girl could have also easily died from her injuries and the arrestees in the case eventually were all convicted of murder.

G. Orwell

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:22 a.m.

" Why the double standard?" Media hype. The media, along with our politicians, have an agenda and they are purposely reporting on this 24/7 to fan the flames. Those participating in this charade are sheep being herded around by those in control.

USRepublic

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:43 a.m.

Sonita and the Hoodies...... Please look at the facts as they present. Do not base your claims on personal bigotry. Thank you...... The Establishment

G. Orwell

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.

Police have a witness on file that saw the event and he (John) states that Martin attacked Zimmerman. That explains why Zimmerman has a broken nose and cuts on his face. Also explains why the police did not arrest Zimmerman and charge him with murder. The media is hyping it and Obama is shamelessly exploiting this tragedy to restrict gun rights and to create a racial divide. Those participating in the "hoodie" event are being manipulated and used for a political agenda. Don't fall for it.

mun

Wed, Mar 28, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.

"and Obama is shamelessly exploiting this tragedy to restrict gun rights and to create a racial divide." Like when George W. Bush injected himself into the Terri Schiavo matter and called a special session of Congress to deal with it.

northside

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.

Why would a black President seeking reelection in a nation that is 75% white seek to "create a racial divide"? How would that possibly be to his benefit? Orwellian indeed.

Harry

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.

Keepitreal You do understand Zimmerman is not white.

KeepingItReal

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.

Zimmerman was in his truck when he called Police and the dispatcher instructed him to "stand down." Instead,Zimmerman continue to follow Martin. As you may recall, Martin was on the pone with his girl friend when he complain to her that a man was following him. She insructed to run which he refused to do. Apparently, Zimmerman confronted Martin and probably phycially and the teen already in fear of this man reacted. If Zimmerman retained a broken nose and other physical evidence of a stuggle is present, then he probably underestimated his physically abilities versus this young man. On the other hand, I want to see evidence that Zimmerman nose was broken (hospital records)and that grass stains (on his shirt) and any other evidence that Martin kicked his butt.. Otherwise, this is noting but a cold bloodied murder and Zimmerman will eventually pay the price. Even the architect of the "stand your ground" law and former Gov. Jeb Bush has said this law does not pertain to the situation involving Zimmerman. I bet if this was white kid and the shooter was Black your response would be different. face it.

clownfish

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.

How has Obama restricted guns?

G. Orwell

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 : 4:12 a.m.

I'd like to add that I do not approve of what Zimmerman did and he could still be found guilty of some crime. What I disprove of is how this tragedy is being exploited and the media and pundits are not telling the whole story.

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