Rally Organizers Focus on Lawmakers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Tension is waning in the capitol city, now that George Zimmerman is behind bars, and one local woman believes a city-wide rally, in many ways, led authorities to arrest and charge the suspect. Melody Williams, who helped organized Columbia’s 1K Hoodie Rally in honor of Trayvon Martin, back in February, believes that demonstration made a huge impact. While special prosecutor Angela Corey stressed her decision to charge Zimmerman with second degree murder was not based on public opinion, Williams isn’t convinced. She believes, at some point, authorities could no longer ignore the massive public outcry. She says she and other rally participants plan to formally approach state lawmakers to repeal the ‘stand your ground’ provision in the state’s self defense law. It allows people to use deadly force anywhere they feel a reasonable threat of death or serious injury. Democratic Rep. Bakari Sellers has introduced a bill to repeal the provision.