The Reverend Jesse Jackson sent out a series of tweets asking people to show full restraint regardless of the George Zimmerman verdict. Jackson, who often leads rallies when it comes to the African American community, is now taking a rather different stance on the situation. He posted on Twitter and Facebook pleading with the public to not celebrate or start a riot once the verdict is announced, Social News Daily reports.
Tension has been high as the country waits to hear the jury's decision in the case. Police departments in several major cities are worried that riots will break out if Zimmerman is found not guilty. Police from New York City to Los Angeles are preparing for the backlash.
According to Mstarz, protestors are outside the Seminole county courtroom waiting for the verdict. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith and Seminole County Sheriff Donald Eslinger held a press conference on Friday asking the public to remain calm.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Eslinger said at the press conference "We will not tolerate anyone who uses this verdict as an excuse to violate the law."
Jackson recently went to Chicago for a peace rally with spiritual leaders and parents who have lost children to gun violence to urge the public not to do anything violent. The Reverend joined St. Sabina parishioners for their weekly peace rally and walk, this time talking about the Trayvon Martin case, CBS Chicago reports.
"No matter what the verdict is tomorrow or Monday or whenever it may be, we want peace. We want peace on the streets," St. Sabina Pastor Michael Pfleger said.
"I hope people will listen, will accept the verdict and pursue it in a process that works for us. We do not want to compound the crisis with more violence," Jackson added.
17-year-old Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman. Zimmerman says he was forced to kill Martin in self-defense. The highly-publicized trial has enthralled the nation as Zimmerman, Martin's family, and the country wait to find out if Zimmerman will be found guilty or not guilty of second degree murder or manslaughter.
According to BlackBlueDog.com, the Broward County Sheriff's office released a PSA video titled "Raise Your Voice, Not Your Hands," also urging people not to riot.
