Rallies Continue in NY, NJ to Protest Zimmerman Verdict

Protesters are calling for the Department of Justice to investigate

Protesters continued to rally for a third day in New York and New Jersey after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin.

Several dozen protesters gathered in Union Square Monday evening before marching to the steps of the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan.

EARLIER: Hundreds Rally in Times Square for Trayvon Martin

A large group of uniformed NYPD officers and a handful of U.S. marshals stood watch but didn't stop the crowd from sitting and chanting on the courthouse steps.

"This needs to be a federal case," said Jessie Cohen of Flatbush, who has now attended marches for two straight days.

Cohen and other demonstrators want the Department of Justice to file civil rights violation charges against Zimmerman.

"Even though they're considering it, we want them to actually do it," said Louett Brown of the Ocean Hill section of Brooklyn.

Earlier, Mike Knobee, who was visiting New York from Omaha, told NBC 4 New York he supported the jury’s decision in the state case.

“It went to jury and the jury found him innocent. So, enough said.”

In Newark, a rally shut down one of Newark’s busiest intersections Monday afternoon when hundreds of people gathered at Broad and Market streets, with many carrying signs reading, "Justice for Trayvon Martin."

A group also marched in a circle, chanting Martin's name and the phrase "Zimmerman in jail."

Ellen Jackson came from neighboring Irvington for the event. Jackson believes civil rights are being turned back, and she's tired of black men being "shot down for no reason."

The rallies were organized by the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and the People's Organization for Progress.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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