Florida Police Officer Fired for Bringing Trayvon Martin Targets to Shooting Practice

Image source: WFTV-TV

A Florida police sergeant has been fired after he brought paper targets resembling slain teen Trayvon Martin to shooting practice, officials said.

WFTV-TV reported Port Canaveral Police Sgt. Ron King was leading a training practice April 4 when he brought out two targets resembling Martin -- a silhouette carrying iced tea and Skittles, which the teen was said to be carrying when he died.

According to the Associated Press, King asked if anyone wanted to use the targets and was told no and to put them back in his patrol car. Officials wouldn't say whether either one was ultimately used, according to WFTV.

"Whether his act was hatred or stupidity, none is tolerable," Port Canaveral Interim Chief Executive Officer John Walsh told the station.

King had been with the Port Canaveral Police Department since January 2011. Officials said he bought the targets over the Internet. "Trayvon Martin Targets" were marketed by at least one online seller last year.

Benjamin Crump, attorney for Martin's family, said in a statement, "Using a dead child's image as target practice is reprehensible."

King has one week to appeal his termination.

Port Canaveral is about 60 miles from Sanford, Fla., where Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in 2012. Zimmerman has said he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense. His trial begins in June.

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​Related:

• Trayvon Martin Gun Range Targets Reportedly Sold Online
• George Zimmerman’s Murder Trial Set for June