Zimmerman's attorney: Client 'legally entitled' to defend himself

George Zimmerman's new attorney went on the defensive on CNN Wednesday night saying Trayvon Martin was responsible for his own death and his client had every right to defend himself.

Orlando-area criminal defense attorney Hal Ulrig joined the 28-year-old's defense team with Craig Sonner this week.

Ulrig called Trayvon's death a tragedy but said his parents' grief is not helped by people traveling to Sanford for "little rallies and irresponsible speeches" that only raise racial strife.

Race had nothing to do with what happened, he said. Trayvon who made a "terrible decision" and "bad judgment" to smack and attack Zimmerman, he said.

"He was absolutely entitled to defend himself and that's why Trayvon Martin is dead—not because of racial profiling," Ulrig said during an interview along with Sonner on "Piers Morgan Tonight."

Sonner accused the media of destroying his client before all the facts are publicized.

"It's been open season on destroying this man's credibility," he said.

arehernandez@tribune.com or 407-420-5471