John Raoux/AP
The scene was tense outside of the Sanford, Florida courthouse where protesters gathered, carrying signs and shouting slogans, while a jury inside deliberated the fate of George Zimmerman, the self-appointed neighborhood watchman accused of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Most of the demonstrators were there in support of Martin, some chanting "Convict George Zimmerman!" and "When I say George, you say guilty! George! Guilty! George! Guilty!" About ten people came to back Zimmerman's cause. There were several heated exchanges between the two sides, but the protests remained relatively calm, good news for officials who have called for peace amid fears of racially-charged violence when the verdict is announced. The jury, which might deliberate again tomorrow, could aquit Zimmerman or decide on a guilty verdict of second-degree murder or manslaughter.