Fla. Sgt. Fired for Offering Trayvon Martin Target

Port Canaveral Police Sgt. Ron King, a two-year veteran of the force, attempted to defend his actions in a YouTube video posted Saturday. In the video, King said he wanted "to use a bad situation as a learning tool."

Screenshot via YouTube.Screenshot via YouTube.

A Florida police sergeant was fired Friday for bringing a target with the likeness of Trayvon Martin to a police firing range for firearms training.

One of Port Canaveral Police Sgt. Ron King's fellow officers photographed King with the target and showed the photo to the chief. Kings' fellow officers had refused to use the target.

King, a two-year veteran of the force, attempted to defend his actions in a YouTube video posted Saturday. In the video, King said he never intended the target to be used on the range. King said he wanted "to use a bad situation as a learning tool."

Port Canaveral Interim Chief Executive Officer John Walsh apologized publicly to the Martin family and called King's behavior unacceptable, insensitive and unprofessional, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

"Whether his [King's] act is one of hatred or stupidity, neither one is tolerable," Walsh said.

About the Author
Page 1 of 281
Next Page