A weekend verdict in a nationally watched Florida murder trial sparked newspaper columns, social media debate and protests Sunday around the country. George Zimmerman, who patrolled his neighborhood as a civilian watchman, was found not guilty in the 2012 shooting death of an unarmed 17-year-old, Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman, who thought Martin might be a burglar, had called police and was told not to follow the teen. He did so anyway and told detectives he acted in self-defense during a scuffle with the student.

After the verdict by a six-woman jury on a state criminal charge, the NAACP and other groups began pushing for a federal inquiry into whether Martin's civil rights had been violated. "Justice failed Trayvon Martin and his family," said Roslyn Brock, chair of the NAACP. "We call immediately for the Justice Department to conduct an investigation. . . . This case has re-energized the movement to end racial profiling in the United States."

In Washington, President Obama appealed for restraint by those who feel frustrated. "I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher," he said in a statement Sunday. "I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son."

Defense attorney says: "If you don't know it, it hasn't been proven. You can't connect the dots for the state attorney's case, you're not allowed to do it." – Mark O'Mara in closing argument to jury last Friday

Protest organizer says: "We had to march to even get a trial. And even at trial, when he's exposed over and over again as a liar, he is acquitted." – Al Sharpton of New York

Columnist says: "If Zimmerman had stayed in his vehicle and not pursued the teenager, Martin would have made it home for the second half of the N.B.A. All-Star Game he had been watching and today he would be one year older." – Charles Blow, The New York Times