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Today in History: Trayvon Martin's death sparks nationwide controversy

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American, was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch coordinator, in Sanford, Florida. Martin was returning from a convenience store when Zimmerman reported him as suspicious. The incident sparked widespread outrage and ignited a national debate on race, gun control, and self-defense laws.

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Story summary

On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American, was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch coordinator, in Sanford, Florida. Martin was returning from a convenience store when Zimmerman reported him as suspicious. The incident sparked widespread outrage and ignited a national debate on race, gun control, and self-defense laws.