The U.S. Department of Justice is under increasing pressure to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman for killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Members of Florida's congressional delegation -- particularly members of the once-vocal Congressional Black Congress -- apparently don't feel much pressure to talk about Saturday night's not-guilty verdict.
Nevertheless, by noon Monday -- at the national NAACP's urging -- nearly 500,000 people had signed online petitions for Justice to act in the case.
Attorney General Eric Holder, who called Martin's death "a tragic and unnecessary shooting," said Monday afternoon the Justice Department will follow "the facts and the law" as it reviews evidence to see if federal criminal charges are warranted.
The 2012 shooting death of the Miami teenager sparked an outcry from congressional Democrats particularly members of the CDC who made countless floor speeches, blanketed the cable news shows, penned legislation and hosted public forums to decry what they called a blatant case of racial profiling against the African-American youth.
Those same lawmakers havelargely steered clear of the racially charged post-verdict rhetoric, even the lawmakers from Florida.
With two exceptions:
Congresswoman Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, whose district includes a portion of Central Florida, was perhaps the most vocal delegation member to join NAACP leaders in condemning Zimmermans not-guilty verdict. In her initial reaction, she called the verdict "a blatant example of our justice system being entirely broken."
Brown said she is personally pushing the Department of Justice to investigate whether Martin's civil rights were violated, and if the department finds probable cause, she supports filing federal charges against Zimmerman.
"... I know (Trayvon Martin's) rights had been violated because hes not here with us. Hes not with us, and he did not have a weapon. Im OK in letting the criminal justice system take care of itself, but the point of the matter is, its not working, Brown said.
She also vowed "to fight for the removal of Stand Your Ground laws here in Florida and across the nation, and do everything within my power as a member of Congress to put an end to racial profiling."
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said she took the Trayvon Martin verdict personally. The 17-year-old lived in her district and went to school within walking distance of her home. She has known his family for most of her life. She definitely wants the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation involved.
These were Wilson's words: A simple fact remains: an innocent young boy is dead. After Trayvon was shot and killed, I was one of the loudest voices demanding a trial and I am disappointed with the verdict.
My role in this case has been to help ensure that Mr. Zimmerman faces a court of law. While I am profoundly disappointed with the ruling in this case, the criminal portion of the process has run its course, she continued. I encourage Trayvons parents to pursue vindication of their rights under civil law. I will support the family in any way possible.
Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miami, passed on Sunshine State News' request to comment on a Justice Department trial for Zimmerman. Hastings, however, was one of a number of CBC members who last year introduced a resolution referring to Martin's killing as a crime and condemning the inconceivable fact that his killer remains free.
Others among Florida's legislative delegation who preferred not to comment Monday were Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson; and Reps. Dan Webster, Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, and Tom Rooney.
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at 228-282-2423.
