From [HERE] George Zimmerman, the white man from Florida charged in the killing of unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin, could face federal hate crime charges. Zimmerman profiled and stalked Martin before allegedly shooting and killing him Feb. 26, state prosecutors have said, so the FBI is looking into charging Zimmerman with a hate crime, the television station reports.
Zimmerman has said he acted in self-defense. If Zimmerman is convicted of the second-degree murder charge, he could face life in prison, but a hate crime charge could mean he would face the death penalty, WFTV reports. FBI representatives are interviewing residents of Zimmerman's neighorhood in Sanford, Fla., looking for evidence of a hate crime, according to WFTV.
WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said, "What the government would have to prove is that Mr. Zimmerman acted out of hatred toward African Americans. That's why he came into contact with him. That's why he shot and killed him."
Zimmerman lawyer Mark O'Mara tells WKMG television that he received a threat Monday. He said police officers were at his office investigationg, WKMG reports.
No further details were available.