On the recordMarch 27, 2012
Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the larger issue of racial profiling. On Monday I spoke about this issue at the Center for Urban Families in Baltimore. Joining me were representatives from various faith and civil rights groups in Baltimore, as well as graduates from the center's program. This weekend we saw numerous rallies take place across the United States, including rallies called Million Hoodie Marches where individuals wore hoodies in solidarity with Trayvon Martin. I was touched by what President Obama said on Friday about this case. He said: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon. And I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this. I think all of us have to do some soul searching to figure out how something like this happened. That is why I am so pleased that the Justice Department, under the supervision of Attorney General Eric Holder, has announced an investigation into the avoidable shooting death of Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012. As we all know from the news, an unarmed Martin, 17, was shot in Sanford, FL, on his way home from a convenience store by a neighborhood watch volunteer. I am pleased that the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department will join the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating the tragic, avoidable shooting death of Trayvon Martin.…





