Zimmerman not guilty: Verdict sparks social media avalanche
As expected, social media erupted Saturday night when George Zimmerman was found not guilty on Saturday of all charges in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
The reactions that poured in from around the country ranged from agreement with the verdict to outrage. A number of Twitter users also expressed sympathy for Martin’s family.
The entire trial was widely discussed and tracked on social media. Thousands tweeted and posted on Facebook with hashtags such as #Zimmerman and #StandWithTrayvon.
PHOTOS: The controversial case in pictures
Commentary and speculation swirled in the days leading up to the verdict. In a symbolic move, Martin’s supporters blacked out Twitter and Facebook profile photos and circulated the #Blackout4Trayvon hashtag.
“We are blacking out our profile photos in a showing of love, unification and solidarity in support of Trayvon Benjamin Martin and have been joined in this effort by his family and their attorneys here on Facebook,” according to a statement post on the “Justice for Trayvon Martin” Facebook page.
Here’s a sampling of the tweets that poured in immediately after the verdict. Twitter users who thought the verdict was the right call were quick to say so.
So glad #zimmerman was found not guilty. State didn’t prove their case. Left reasonable doubt. — Gabby Buehrle (@itsgabbyb) July 14, 2013
My feeling-he was likely guilty, but it seems that the defense created reasonable doubt (self-defense) in the jury’s mind #Zimmerman Trial — Mitch Grosky (@mitchgrosky) July 14, 2013
The evidence was not there. Whether you agree or not you can’t convict someone if you can’t prove your case beyond any doubt. #ZIMMERMAN — Martha (@webmom5) July 14, 2013
So glad Zimmerman not found guilty. You should be able to defend yourself. Good verdict. #Zimmerman #Zimmermantrial — ryan berardi (@armyrossi) July 14, 2013
Couldn’t be more proud of the system right now after the #ZimmermanTrial Hope #Zimmerman is offered some protection from the violent hordes. — Paul (@ScorpionsPriest) July 14, 2013
Others expressed dismay with the American justice system.
I gave up on America today #GeorgeZimmerman — Daniel Mena (@menapauser) July 14, 2013
Not guilty!!! What? Pray for our judicial system. #GeorgeZimmerman — Mauro Vela (@maurovela10) July 14, 2013
We’ve gone back 500 years. This is a real shame. #TrayvonMartin #fb — Lindsey C. Holmes (@lindseycholmes) July 14, 2013
In the year of 2013 there is still injustice. America needs a serious conversation about RACE. #justicefortrayvon — Lil Gamble (@girlasu) July 14, 2013
Justice was not served today and right now I am flat out embarrassed and ashamed to call myself an American #JusticeForTrayvon — Mollie Bushnell (@molliebushnell) July 14, 2013
Some ire was directed specifically at Florida.
Well there ya go...wanna kill someone...move to Florida. Unbelievable! #Zimmerman — Gigi LaRue (@larue_gigi) July 14, 2013
Not surprised. This is the same state that couldn’t put together a jury smart enough to convict Casey Anthony. — Kathryn (@MamaKaterTots) July 14, 2013
A number of Twitter users were expressing sympathy for Martin’s family.
I’m over shaking like I’m mad foreal , I can only imagine what Trayvon Martin’s parents feel like right now . — Conae Bynum (@EpitomeOf_Nae) July 14, 2013
My heart just broke for Trayvon Martin family — Jolanda (@DaBestFlavaJoJo) July 14, 2013
man i feel for his parents #GeorgeZimmerman #TrayvonMartin — isaywatuwontsay (@isaywatuwontsay) July 14, 2013
Just praying for Trayvon Martin’s family at this time I know they are really going through it — Samoan Thor (@GiveN2TIMtation) July 14, 2013
Celebrities also weighed in on the verdict.
My heart... My soul is... #nowords RT @lolaogunnaike: Wow. #TrayvonMartin — Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) July 14, 2013
Ppl are entitled to their opinion on boths sides... No need for name calling or threats from either side. #TrayvonMartin — Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) July 14, 2013
may peace be with the Martins as they continue to pray for justice. As will I and anyone else that believes in LOVE #JusticeForTrayvon ¿¿¿¿ — Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) July 12, 2013
This is the saddest news ever!!! #whatsjustice #pray4theMartinFamily — Rihanna (@rihanna) July 14, 2013
Martin’s brother, Jahvaris Fulton, tweeted his disappointment with his verdict. Martin’s father, Tracy Martin, also tweeted after the verdict, expressing disappointment as well as gratitude. Jahvaris Fulton @jahvaris_martin Et tu, America?
Et tu, America? — Jahvaris Fulton (@jahvaris_martin) July 14, 2013
Tracy Martin @BTraymartin948m Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY
Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY — Tracy Martin (@BTraymartin9) July 14, 2013
Tracy Martin @BTraymartin9 Thanks to everyone who are with us and who will be with us si we together can make sure that this doesn’t happen again
Thanks to everyone who are with us and who will be with us si we together can make sure that this doesn’t happen again — Tracy Martin (@BTraymartin9) July 14, 2013
ALSO:
George Zimmerman acquitted of murder in Trayvon Martin shooting
Zimmerman trial: Jurors seek definition of manslaughter
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