Around 8,000 people rallied in Sanford, Florida late Thursday (March 22), calling for justice in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.<br/> <br />Trayvon was shot by a neighbourhood watch volunteer in late February, when he was walking back to a gated community in Sanford.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />Reverend Al Sharpton organised the rally on Thursday.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(English) REVEREND AL SHARPTON, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />The volunteer, George Zimmerman, was armed with a handgun as he followed Martin, despite being told by police not to.<br/> <br />Zimmerman claimed he acted in self-defence, and has not been arrested.<br/> <br />The teen's parents addressed the crowd.<br/> <br />(SOUDNBITE) (English) SYBRINA FULTON, TRAYVON MARTIN'S MOTHER SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) TRACY MARTIN, TRAYVON MARTIN'S FATHER SAYING:<br/> <br />"Trayvon was a people's person. He didn't deserve to die, and I pledge I will not let my son die in vain."<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
