Members of the New York City Council have worn them. Players on the Miami Heat were photographed wearing them. Numerous celebrities have donned them. And on Wednesday, Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., was escorted from the House floor for wearing one while addressing members of Congress over the killing of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed Florida teenager who was gunned down last month.

We’re of course talking about hooded sweatshirts. A hoodie is the article of clothing that Geraldo Rivera claimed was as much responsible for Martin’s death — he was wearing one at the time he was shot — as George Zimmerman, the man holding the gun that claimed Martin’s young life.

Rush took to the House floor to call for a full investigation into the shooting death of 17-year-old Martin.

“I applaud the young people all across the land who are making a statement about hoodies, about the real hoodlums in this nation, specifically those who tread on our law wearing official or quasi-official cloaks,” Rush said, taking off his suit jacket to reveal a hoodie underneath. “Racial profiling has got to stop. Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum.”

He was gaveled almost immediately by Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., who was presiding over the floor while Rush delivered his remarks. Rush continued to speak until he was eventually removed from the House floor. — TEB

 Your support matters…

Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.

You can help level the playing field. Become a member.

Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.

Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG
In this Article:
#congress#florida#george zimmerman#trayvon martin#video