Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) released the following statement on Sunday regarding the George Zimmerman verdict:
“The verdict is difficult to comprehend since minimally, had George Zimmerman followed the principles of a neighborhood watch, stayed in his car and sought law enforcement assistance, no murder trial would have been necessary and Trayvon Martin would still be alive.
“It’s sad and scary to me that someone’s appearance and dress alone are reasons to assume the negative about another human being.
“This verdict is confounding. It’s impossible to forget that Zimmerman got out of his car and had a weapon on him. Are we saying it’s OK to follow and then shoot an innocent person on the street? That should never be acceptable in America.
“Society only functions in a healthy manner if everyone participates lawfully and fully with respect for others, but this verdict is a stunning failure of justice.”