*Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 *

**Statement on the Verdict in State of Florida v. George Zimmerman **

*July 14, 2013 *

The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy, not just for his family or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we're doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we're doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, that's a job for all of us. That's the way to honor Trayvon Martin.

NOTE: The statement referred to Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, parents of Trayvon Martin, who was allegedly killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, FL, on February 26, 2012.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : State of Florida v. George Zimmerman verdict*.*

*Names:* Fulton, Sybrina; Martin, Tracy; Zimmerman, George*.*

*Subjects:* Florida : State of Florida v. George Zimmerman verdict; Law enforcement and crime : Gun violence, prevention efforts.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201300497.