Trayvon Martin's parents say they are still in shock over verdict

Trayvon Martin’s parents say they are still in shock and disbelief that jurors acquitted George Zimmerman over the death of their 17-year-old son.

On NBC’s Today show, his mother Sybrina Fulton questioned whether jurors looked at the shooting from her son’s point of view. She said the verdict failed Trayvon, a teenager who was scared.

The boy’s father, Tracy Martin, said the family had believed the killer of their “unarmed child” was going to be convicted.

It was the first time they had spoken publicly since the verdict was announced on Saturday following a three-week trial in central Florida.

Prosecutors accused Mr Zimmerman, who identifies himself as Hispanic, of profiling Trayvon, who was black.

Mr Zimmerman claimed he shot Martin in self-defence, and faced second-degree murder charges.

Protests over the acquittal led to the arrests of 17 people in a southern California town last night.

Earlier this week, Los Angeles and Oakland were flashpoints for violent reactions following Saturday’s acquittal.

Trayvon was visiting his father in Sanford and returning to the home of his father’s fiancée after a trip to a store when Mr Zimmerman identified him as a potential criminal. The neighbourhood watch volunteer shot him during a physical confrontation in the gated community in February last year.

Civil rights leaders have stepped up plans for vigils and rallies in 100 US cities to press the government to bring civil charges against Mr Zimmerman.

Mr Zimmerman's lawyer has told ABC News that Mr Zimmerman will get his gun back and intends to arm himself again.