Police chief steps down temporarily over handling of Trayvon Martin case
Bill Lee, chief of police in Sanford, Florida, announces that he will be temporarily stepping down from his position as the investigation into the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is conducted.
By NBC News and msnbc.com staff
On Wednesday, the Sanford City Commission voted 3-2 that it had no confidence in Lee over how the case has been handled.
Velma Williams, the city’s only black commissioner, said she spent 15 years trying to bring together the black community and white community, and the Martin episode has taken an emotional toll. “And now this. It’s a national embarrassment," she said.
Commissioners Patty Mahany and Randy Jones supported the police chief, who came on the job last May.
By NBC News and msnbc.com staff
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee Jr. said Thursday that he would temporarily step down from his position over how the Trayvon Martin shooting case was handled.
Velma Williams, the city’s only black commissioner, said she spent 15 years trying to bring together the black community and white community, and the Martin episode has taken an emotional toll. “And now this. It’s a national embarrassment," she said.
Commissioners Patty Mahany and Randy Jones supported the police chief, who came on the job last May.
"I would not want to see someone tried in the court of public opinion without all the facts," Jones said.
Mayor Jeff Triplett sounded a similar theme, though he voted against Lee. "We only have a very small piece of the puzzle right now," he said.
Commissioners cannot fire Lee, as he reports to City Manager Norton Bonaparte Jr.
Amid growing outrage over Trayvon Martin, Sanford's city council passed a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Bill Lee for his handling of the murder investigation. MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell asks Sandford city manager Norton Bonaparte if he plans to fire him. Plus, MSNBC's Al Sharpton weighs in.
Williams implied that if Bonaparte doesn't fire Lee, she would review his contract the next time it comes up for renewal.
More from NBCMiami.com on the no-confidence vote
She nearly fainted after the vote because she became so emotional, and had to be treated by a paramedic.
Residents then took to the podium to say their piece.
The Sanford City Commission passed a vote of "no confidence" in police Chief Bill Lee Wednesday night over his handling of the Trayvon Martin shooting. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators assembled a "Million Hoodie March" in New York City to call for the arrest of Martin's killer. NBC's Lilia Luciano reports.
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