Rep. Lofgren & CA Democratic Members Call for Hate Crime Investigation in Treyvon Martin Murder Case

Washington, DC – Twenty-four members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation released a letter today calling on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr., to investigate whether the murder of 17 year old Treyvon Martin "was motivated by racial bias and therefore a hate crime." In the letter, the Representatives tell Attorney General Holder: "The family of Treyvon Martin deserves to know the truth and the American people expect justice to be served."

In their letter, the Representatives cite unresolved questions in the events leading up to the February 26th murder of the unarmed teenager in Sanford, Florida, by alleged murderer George Zimmerman, and the controversial actions of the Sanford Police Department in the aftermath of the shooting. The Representatives expressed support for the announced Department of Justice investigation of Treyvon Martin's murder, saying:

"It is in the best interest of our constituents and the country that you conduct a thorough investigation that also determines whether this was motivated by racial bias and therefore a hate crime...History has shown that investigating these crimes and enforcing our laws against them bring the issue to light and help our society progress."

Click here to link to the letter, which was signed by the following Representatives (in alphabetical order): Karen Bass; Xavier Becerra; Judy Chu; Anna G. Eshoo; Sam Farr; Bob Filner; John Garamendi; Janice Hahn; Mike Honda; Barbara Lee; Zoe Lofgren; Doris Matsui; Jerry McNerney; George Miller; Grace Napolitano; Laura Richardson; Lucille Roybal-Allard; Linda Sanchez; Loretta Sanchez; Jackie Speier; Pete Stark; Mike Thompson; Maxine Waters; Lynn Woolsey.