Rallies Large and Small Follow Zimmerman Verdict

The acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of an unarmed teen last year has touched off mostly peaceful demonstrations large and small across the country, with protesters calling the verdict a miscarriage of justice.

Church services and street protests ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of people on Sunday decried the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin as a tragedy made worse by a flawed verdict.

In New York City protesters at a massive gathering in Union Square hoisted placards bearing Martin's picture. In the Florida city where the trial took place teens wearing shirts bearing his picture attended a youth service.

Sunday's protests were largely peaceful. But in Oakland, Calif. one demonstration ended in vandalism in the hours after Saturday's verdict. Another protest in Los Angeles was broken up by police firing beanbag rounds.

[Associated Press]