The Common Good
God's Politics Blog

Breaking: Sanford Police Chief Steps Down From Trayvon Martin Case

by God's Politics Editor 03-22-2012 | 3:06pm
Print
2 Comments | Post a Comment | Write to the Web Editor
Via Getty Images.
esidents of Sanford, Fla. attend to a town hall meeting 2/20 to discuss Martin's slaying. Via Getty Images.

Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee, who has been criticized for his handling of the Trayvon Martin shooting case, has stepped down temporarily, according to The Miami Herald.

“I am aware my role as leader of this department has become a distraction from the investigation,” Lee said, according to the report, adding that “temporarily removing” himself from the role would restore a “semblance of calm to the city which has been in turmoil for several weeks.”

Yesterday, Lee received a 3-2 no-confidence vote from the Sanford City Council, and outrage over the case has sparked nationwide calls for his resignation.

A protest rally in New York last night--Million Hoody March--called for justice in the case. George Zimmerman, who called his shooting of Martin "self defense," has not been arrested.

The US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Monday announced they would launch an independent investigation of the shooting.

 

2 Comments | Post a Comment | Write to the Web Editor
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Related Stories

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

Sojourners Comment Community Covenant

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)

I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)