Around 8,000 people rallied in Sanford, Florida late Thursday (March 22), calling for justice in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Trayvon was shot by a neighbourhood watch volunteer in late February, when he was walking back to a gated community in Sanford.
Though the shooting took place more than a month ago, the publication of 911 calls and testimonies have provoked anger over his death, with some saying he was racially profiled.
Reverend Al Sharpton organised the rally on Thursday.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) REVEREND AL SHARPTON, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, SAYING:
"Trayvon could have been any one of our sons. Trayvon could have been any one of us. Trayvon represents a reckless disregard for our lives that we have seen too long. And we come to tell you tonight enough is enough."
The volunteer, George Zimmerman, was armed with a handgun as he followed Martin, despite being told by police not to.
Zimmerman claimed he acted in self-defence, and has not been arrested.
The teen's parents addressed the crowd.
(SOUDNBITE) (English) SYBRINA FULTON, TRAYVON MARTIN'S MOTHER SAYING:
"I stand before you not knowing how I'm walking right now, because my heart hurts for my son. Trayvon is my son, Trayvon is your son. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for all your support."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) TRACY MARTIN, TRAYVON MARTIN'S FATHER SAYING:
"Trayvon was a people's person. He didn't deserve to die, and I pledge I will not let my son die in vain."
The Justice Department and the FBI have opened an investigation into the shooting, and a state grand jury is being convened to determine if there is enough evidence to file charges.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
