* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Branch
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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In Support of a Federal Indictment of George Zimmerman
FOR the purpose of supporting the efforts of the United States Justice Department to determine if the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman constituted a violation of Federally guaranteed civil rights, and urging the Department to swiftly move for an indictment of Zimmerman on Federal civil rights charges if its investigation finds such charges to be warranted.
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WHEREAS, 17 year old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford, Florida in February 2012 by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer.
WHEREAS, Zimmerman admitted he was responsible for shooting Martin, but maintained that Martin attacked him and his shooting was justified.
WHEREAS, Zimmerman was tried for murder, but was found not guilty on July 13, 2013.
WHEREAS, this case raises questions about civil rights, as Zimmerman believed Martin was a possible criminal based on his appearance and followed him, leading to a deadly confrontation.
WHEREAS, Zimmerman's slaying of Martin may have violated Martin's rights to freedom from harm and freedom of movement in a public space.
WHEREAS, the Department of Justice has the authority to bring civil rights charges against Zimmerman for his violation of Martin's rights, if substantiated through an investigation, and the Department has stated that it will investigate this matter and take any action it believes is justified.
WHEREAS, the City of Baltimore should strongly support an investigation into this matter, as any possible violation of civil rights is serious and should be examined by the Federal government.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that the Council supports the efforts of the United States Justice Department to determine if the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman constituted a violation of Federally guaranteed civil rights, and urges the Department to swiftly move for an indictment of Zimmerman on Federal civil rights charges if its investigation finds such charges to be warranted.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Attorney General of the United States, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
dlr13-0647~intro/07Aug13
ccres/ZimIndict/bp:tw
dlr13-0647~intro/07Aug13
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ccres/ZimIndict/bp:tw