Teenager's death a tragedy:obama
US President Barack Obama has said the "tragedy" of an unarmed black teenager shot dead in Florida should prompt some national soulsearching
US President Barack Obama has said the "tragedy" of an unarmed black teenager shot dead in Florida should prompt some national soul-searching.
"If I had a son he would look like Trayvon," President Obama told reporters at the White House.
The death of Trayvon Martin, 17, gunned down by a neighbourhood watchman, who was not charged as he claimed self-defence, has sparked outrage.
Thousands of protesters demanded justice in Florida on Thursday evening.
In Florida, a law known as "stand your ground" can prevent criminal or civil prosecution when deadly force is used in self-defence.
There have been mounting calls for the arrest of George Zimmerman, 28, who opened fire on the teenager on 26 February in the Orlando suburb of Sanford.
Mr Martin was carrying a bag of sweets and a can of iced tea when he was approached by Mr Zimmerman. The neighbourhood watchman had told a police dispatcher he thought Mr Martin looked suspicious.
It was raining and the teenager had his jacket hood pulled over his head. Mr Zimmerman shot Mr Martin following a chase and fight.thousands of people gathered at a rally in Sanford on Thursday evening led by the civil rights leader Al Sharpton demanding justice for the 17-year-old.
On Thursday, Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed a new prosecutor to handle the case. - BBC