MIRAMAR, Fla. — The parents of the unarmed teen who was shot and killed by a Florida neighborhood watch volunteer reject the shooter’s claim that the shooting was a part of God’s plan.
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, George Zimmerman said he felt the events of the night 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed were “God’s plan.”
But Martin’s father, Tracy Martin told The Associated Press that Zimmerman must worship a different God from them.
And speaking Thursday on NBC’s “Today” show, Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton said the idea was ridiculous.
“He had no regards for Trayvon’s life, and he don’t regret taking Trayvon’s life,’’ Martin said. “Had George Zimmerman stayed in his vehicle, Trayvon would be with us here today.’’
In the Fox News interview, Zimmerman also said he’d like to talk with Trayvon Martin’s parents about what happened. But Fulton told NBC she was “absolutely not” willing to talk to Zimmerman.
Zimmerman, 28, also said in his interview he’s sorry Martin’s family “buried their child,’’ adding, “I love my children — even though they are not born yet.’’
The watchman, who had called 911 to report the 17-year-old’s “suspicious” activity, ignored a dispatcher’s directive to stay in his car before the fatal confrontation in Sanford, Fla., in February.
He said he pulled his gun because he felt Martin reaching for it while the teen was allegedly pummeling him.
“I would have not done anything differently,” he said. “I’m not a racist. I’m not a murderer.”
Martin was black; Zimmerman is half-Hispanic, half-white.
Zimmerman insisted that he wasn’t pursuing Martin, and left the car only to “keep an eye on him to tell police where he was going.’’
He also said the Rev. Al Sharpton and filmmaker Spike Lee should apologize for being so public in their rush to judgment.
With AP