Immediately following Saturday (July 13) night’s not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the world took to Twitter to express their reactions.
As a result, topics such as #verdict,” “Stand Your Ground,” “Murder” “Trayvon Martin” and “George Zimmerman” all trended soon after.
Among the countless many who had something to say on the matter, there were many recognizable names, from musicians to athletes, to politicians and even Trayvon Martin’s family.
Nicki Minaj was among the first to react, tweeting. “May God console the Martins at this time; as well as every other family that’s gone through this type of injustice.”
Rick Ross also sent out well wishes for the Martin family. “My condolences continue to go the Martin family,” the Maybach Music CEO wrote.
Miley Cyrus also expressed disbelief by tweeting: “I feel sick. #RipTrayvonMartin,” later adding “No justice, no peace”.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker shared his sorrow as well, saying “We must mourn the unnecessary & unjust death of a child, but to honor him we must rededicate ourselves to the very ideals that were violated.”
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, who along with his teammate LeBron James, made headlines last year when they shared images of themselves wearing hooded sweatshirts as an expression of solidarity for Trayvon Martin, was shocked by the verdict.
“Wow! Stunned! Saddened as a father! Some1 make sense of this verdict for me right now please! Don’t worry I’ll wait..,” he wrote, later adding “How do I explain this to my young boys?”.
Immediately following the verdict MTV News reached out to independent rapper Immortal Technique, who through his music and civil actions has stood as one of hip-hop’s most powerful political and social voices.
Technique says that race, while a key point to the case, isn’t the main issue however. “I think what the prime issue was, was that somebody’s child died,” he said.
“It brought up a lot of questions to me, I asked myself a very, very hard one. I think for example, what would’ve happened if George Zimmerman had been a fat black dude and Trayvon had been a tiny light skin, as they call them, white Latino,” he said of his immediate reaction. “I started wondering about the dual nature of a justice system in this country and what this case is going to mean for people.”
Technique says that race, while a key point to the case, isn’t the main issue however. “I think what the prime issue was, was that somebody’s child died,” he said.
Mac Millerwas troubled by the smile on Zimmerman’s face not long after the verdict was handed down. “I just hate that smile. You killed somebody, why are you smiling?” he responded.
Trayvon’s parents were among the many voices heard on social media, offering messages of love and hope.
“God blessed Me & Sybrina with Tray and even in his death I know my baby proud of the FIGHT we along with all of you put up for him GOD BLESS,” Trayvon’s father, Tracy Martin
Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, added “Lord during my darkest hour I lean on you. You are all that I have. At the end of the day, God is still in control. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will love you forever Trayvon! In the name of Jesus!”
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