Trayvon's parents go to Capitol Hill

Associated Press

SUZANNE GAMBOA,Associated Press

Updated: Mar 27, 2012 4:55 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trayvon Martin's parents went before a congressional panel and thanked those who turned their 17-year-old son's death into a rallying cry against racial profiling.

Martin's parents spoke briefly Tuesday at a Capitol Hill forum that began with a moment of silence for their son, who was shot and killed Feb. 26 in a gated Florida community.

Martin's father, Tracy Martin, thanked "everyone who is holding the legacy of Trayvon" while his mother, Sybrina Fulton, said, "Trayvon was our son, but Trayvon is your son."

Some members of Congress have called for a hate crimes investigation. The Justice Department has told Martin's parents that getting hate crime charges will be a challenge.

The admitted shooter, George Zimmerman, has said he acted in self-defense. He has not been arrested or charged.

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