NAACP reacts to Zimmerman arrest

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) -- Many across the state are reacting after a man who admitted to the deadly shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin was placed behind bars.

Prosecutors have charged George Zimmerman with second-degree murder. His new attorney says he'll plead not guilty in court Thursday.

"I will confirm that Mr. Zimmerman is indeed in custody," said Angela Corey, Florida state attorney.

"We just wanted an arrest and we got it," said Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin's mother, "and I say thank you."

While the announcement was made in Florida, in Hartford the reaction was swift from the National President of the NAACP.

"Everybody involved in this case, family, friends, supporters, breathing a sigh of relief tonight," said Benjamin Jealous said. "Zimmerman has been arrested and has been charged with murder."

For weeks, protestors rallied around the nation, "Justice for Trayvon." In Connecticut, there were nearly a dozen rallies across the state.

"We have had rallies in New London, Stamford, Hartford, and in New Haven," said Scot X. Esdaile, NAACP CT President, "and we would like to applaud all of the young people who got involved and hit the streets, to make sure justice prevailed"

And while it took weeks and weeks of public pressure to bring the arrest, the NAACP says they will keep the pressure on.

"We need to make sure people stay active and involved," said Esdaile, "and that justice rings all throughout the nation."

Those in Hartford who spoke with News 8 say now the case will leave the court of public opinion and go before a justice of the land.

"I think that is what brought the arrest, the protest," said Malon Graham, "but innocent until proven guilty."