Twitter erupted with responses after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
African American actress and model Gabrielle Union tweeted immediately, saddened by the news:
How do we explain this to children? RT @lolaogunnaike: Apparently walking while black is a crime punishable by death. #TrayvonMartin
Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu)
American business magnate Russell Simmons expressed disappointment, but remained calm:
I know many people are very upset about the verdict, but we must remain peaceful. No matter what, remain peaceful.
Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH)
Trayvon Martin’s father Tracy expressed his thoughts on Twitter soon after the verdict was announced:
Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY
Tracy Martin (@BTraymartin9)
WFTV captured the faces of those waiting outside the courthouse in response to the verdict:
RT @WFTV: Disbelief, relief outside courthouse after #Zimmerman found not guilty
Chelsea (@_AllAboutChels)
Author Kurt Schlichter thanked God in his reaction to the verdict on Twitter:
Thank God. #Zimmerman free. Now, I think we can all take a moment for the Martin family and keep them in our prayers as well.
Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter)
Criminal defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh, who wrote an article before the verdict was read about why Zimmerman should not be found guilty, shared a few thoughts as well:
The verdict isn’t about GZ getting away murder, rather the justice system preserving its integrity. My heart goes out to the Martin family.
Mark Eiglarsh (@MarkEiglarsh)
Colette Bennett | CNN