Rep. Alan Williams on Zimmerman Verdict

State Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee, chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus and sponsor of the Stand Your Ground repeal bill, issued this statement Sunday morning on the not-guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial:

The tragedy of the Trayvon Martin case reflects that here in Florida gun violence has claimed too many lives. While I am disappointed with the verdict, we all must respect it and our thoughts and prayers must remain with the Martin family. This case has brought much attention to our states gun laws.

Trayvon Benjamin Martin's tragic death shows us that by remaining focused on the goal of preventing these incidents of violence, we as lawmakers must work to prevent future tragedies ... that can have devastating consequences for families, our community and the citizens of the state of Florida.