George Zimmerman’s defense attorney, Mark O’Mara has confirmed that a social media presence has been launched on behalf of his client, the neighborhood watch volunteer accused of fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teen, in February.
Although recognizing that the launching of GZLegalCase.com is an “opportunistic move,” writing on the website, O’Mara states, “social media in this day and age cannot be ignored.”
“It (social Media) is now a critical part of presidential politics, it has been part of revolutions in the Middle East, and it is going to be an unavoidable part of high-profile legal cases, just as traditional media has been and continues to be,” O’Mara writes.
Among the reasons for the website, O’Mara lists the following:
– Discrediting and eliminating fradulent websites and social profiles
– Disputing misinformation
– Discouraging speculation
– Providing a forum for communicating with the law firm
– Raising funds
– Providing a voice for Mr. Zimmerman
Earlier this month, Zimmerman had launched his own website, therealgeorgezimmerman.com, to aid with his legal defense. The website raised more than $200,000 but has since turned dark.
Social media has played a major role since Martin was shot on February 26. An online petition calling for Zimmerman’s prosecution garnered a record number of signatures. Called, “Prosecute the killer of our son, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin,” the petition gained 2.1 million signatures since its launch on March 8, according to mashable.com.
According to O’Mara: “We feel it would be irresponsible to ignore the robust online conversation, and we feel equally as strong about establishing a professional, responsible, and ethical approach to new media.”
