Euille 'Troubled' by Zimmerman Verdict

Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille is inviting the public to a community forum to discuss the Trayvon Martin case and race relations.

Martin, an African-American, was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman while he was walking through a gated Florida community in February 2012. The shooting spurred racial tensions around the country.

Zimmerman was found not guilty on all counts last week in a criminal trial related to Martin’s death. Zimmerman, who was charged with second-degree murder, claimed self-defense. 

Euille said Tuesday in a statement that he respects the jury’s outcome in the trial but is “troubled” by the verdict.  

“… One must question how an innocent child walking in his neighborhood could end up dead at the hands of an armed neighborhood watchman—only for that man to be found not guilty by a paneled jury,” Euille said.

Euille said it’s important for residents to come together to discuss “how we can overcome this decision” and look ahead “to a positive and promising future regarding human and race relations in America.”

The four-term Alexandria mayor added that it’s important to discuss how to make Martin’s death a teachable moment for children and young adults.

Euille is hosting the community forum in collaboration with the Alexandria Human Rights Commission and the Alexandria Chapter of the NAACP at noon Saturday, July 20 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, located at 901 Wythe St.

Alexandrians held a vigil to honor Martin at Market Square in April 2012.