BISHOP STATEMENT ON TRAYVON MARTIN SHOOTING DEATH

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin, as he was walking home from a local convenience store in a gated community near Orlando, Florida:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and classmates of Trayvon Martin. His inexplicable shooting death is an unfathomable tragedy that warrants a full and thorough investigation at both the federal and state levels.

“I, like many Americans, have serious concerns with how Trayvon’s shooting death inquiry was initially handled by police officials in Sanford, Florida. It is my sincere hope that a more comprehensive and exhaustive inquiry will result from the parallel investigations being conducted by the United States Department of Justice and the special prosecutor recently appointed by Florida’s governor and attorney general.

“Trayvon has been described by his family, friends and teachers as a bright and responsible young man who was an excellent role model for his peers. His premature death is extremely disturbing and I hope that in the coming weeks and months that justice is properly served in this case.

“I would like to once again express my sincere condolences to Trayvon’s family and friends as they continue to mourn his passing.”