The FBI is investigating the death of Trayvon Martin, but internally, Justice Department lawyers doubt they can make a federal case out of it, the Washington Post reports. The federal government could potentially charge George Zimmerman under hate crime laws, and one Florida congresswoman is urging the department to do just that. But federal hate crime laws may be too narrow, one law professor says. Zimmerman may have been racially biased, he explained, but he also appeared to have other motives, "however misguided," such as thinking "Trayvon was involved in some kind of suspicious activity."
Even if federal charges never come, a local grand jury is looking into the case. Social media was buzzing yesterday with accusations that Zimmerman had muttered a racial epithet while on the phone with 911, but if so it is nearly inaudible, the Miami Herald reports. "I listened to that tape several times, and I never heard it before," said a police department spokesman. "I am quite sure the grand jury will listen to it." For more on the case, click here. (More Trayvon Martin stories.)
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