Press Releases

Statement by Rev. Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network on the Judge Granting George Zimmerman Bail

Friday, April 20, 2012 (New York, NY) -“The National Action Network will monitor the legal proceedings as they advance. Though we clearly feel the Judge had the basis to deny bail based upon Mr. Zimmerman’s background, we will continue to stand with the family throughout their pursuit of justice. Though we don’t take lightly a person’s apology– since I personally accepted the apology of a man that tried to kill me leading a march in Bensonhurt– we do take note of the family raising the fact that at no point in time before this and with plenty of opportunities, did Mr. Zimmerman publicly or attempt to privately apologize to the family. Thus even the most objective person would have to ask whether the timing is self-serving. National Action Network’s concern is that there is a fair trial and it is imperative that a review of the Stand Your Ground Law be conducted because after today’s hearing it is clearly the strategy of the defense. As long as this law stands on the books in Florida and other states we consider this a danger and we are committed to fighting that law.”