US promises action if slain teen case a rights crime

US Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday promised “appropriate” action if a Justice Department probe of the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin uncovers a civil rights crime.

Martin’s death in Florida at the hands of neighborhood watch guard George Zimmerman has sparked a national uproar. Zimmerman, who claims self-defense, has not been arrested and has gone into hiding.

Martin’s family and supporters say Martin, 17, who was unarmed, may have been the victim of racial profiling. Zimmerman’s supporters say that Martin attacked first, and that Zimmerman fired to defend himself.

Three weeks ago Justice department launched an investigation into the incident, “which remains open at this time, and prevents me from talking in detail about this matter,” Holder said, speaking at a conference of the National Action Convention, a US civil rights group.

“If we find evidence of a potential federal criminal civil rights crime, we will take appropriate action,” Holder said.

Holder told the crowd that senior Justice Department officials traveled to Sanford, Florida, to meet with the Martin family and local residents and authorities.

FBI agents are also helping local law enforcement.

“In all of these discussions, we’re listening carefully to concerns — and emphasizing that the department will conduct a thorough and independent review of the evidence,” Holder said.

A controversial Florida law allows the use of deadly force when a person senses a reasonable fear of death or serious injury.

Earlier, Florida State Attorney Angela Corey said she will not hold a special closed-door hearing to determine whether to bring charges into Martin’s death, but that the investigation was ongoing.

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