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Sharpton plans rally for black teen slain in Fla.

Mar 18, 2012

The Associated Press

SANFORD, FLA. — The Rev. Al Sharpton is planning a rally for a black Florida teenager fatally shot by a white neighborhood watch volunteer.

Sharpton will hold the rally Thursday at the First Shiloh Baptist Church in Sanford.

No charges have been filed in the February death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in a gated community near Orlando.

Martin’s family has criticized police for not arresting 28-year-old George Zimmerman, who admitted to shooting the teen but said he fired in self-defense.

Zimmerman had called police to report a suspicious person walking through the neighborhood.

The teen had gone to a convenience store for candy. Martin’s family says 911 calls show the teen was terrified as he tried to flee Zimmerman.

Zimmerman’s father says his son has been unfairly portrayed as a racist.