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Florida Police Officer Fired for Using Trayvon Martin Image in Shooting Target

HeadlineApr 15, 2013

A Florida police officer has been fired for using the likeness of Trayvon Martin as a target in gun practice. Sgt. Ron King of the Port Canaveral police reportedly offered the targets with Martin’s face to two other officers and a civilian, who all declined. Martin was the unarmed African-American teenager shot to death by self-proclaimed “neighborhood watchman” George Zimmerman last year. John Walsh of Port Canaveral apologized to Martin’s family.

John Walsh: “We truly reach out and apologize to the family of Trayvon Martin for them needing to hear any of this and the grief that it must bring them, as well as all members of the community. We just don’t find this behavior acceptable on any level.”

The fired officer, Ron King, has apologized, claiming Martin’s target was meant as a “do-not shoot” target. Zimmerman’s trial is set to begin in two months.

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