The
story of Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin made elaborate media outreach four years
ago when Zimmerman was accused of gunning down an unarmed African-American in gated
Sanford Community where Zimmerman was on security watch/patrol. The accusation
went on for a period until the jury returned a verdict of non-guilty on charge
of second degree murder against Zimmerman after he raised the defence of
Self-defense.
However,
it has been uncovered recently that the same gun used by Zimmerman is now an object
that is up for sale through an online auction. The gun was initially listed on
GunBroker, and was meant to start on Thursday. However, GunBroker released a
message on Thursday rejecting the placing thus:
“Our
site rules state that we reserve the right to reject listings at our sole
discretion, and have done so with the Zimmerman listing.”
The
statement further quoted:
“We
want no part in the listing on our website or in any publicity it is receiving”
Upon
rejection of the advert on its website, the auction was moved to another
organization: United Gun Group, listing the gun at the same starting bid of
$5,000 it was listed at in GunBroker. In moving the auction of his “piece of American history” to United Gun
Group, Zimmerman told CNN that
“Unfortunately
[GunBroker] was not prepared for the traffic and publicity surrounding the
auction of my firearm … it is now placed with another auction house”.
Spokeman to the United Gun Group confirmed that the organization was contacted by Zimmerman to use the organization's platform for the auction.
But
United Gun Group, Thursday night released a statement that the gun will not
also be sold on their “platform”.
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According to the organization,
“As an organization, we stand by the rule of law and, while
no laws have been broken, we do not feel like it is in the best interest of the
organization to continue to host this sale on our platform.
“Our mission is to esteem the 2nd amendment and provide a
safe and secure platform for firearms enthusiasts and law-abiding citizens; our
association with Mr. Zimmerman does not help us achieve that objective.”
Zimmerman
eloquently described the gun in the online posts as “the firearm that was used
to defend my life and end the brutal attack from Trayvon Martin on 2/26/2012”.
In
reaction, an attorney for Martin’s parents, Benjamin Crump, regard the
development as “devastating.”
“It’s just shocking to me and it is shocking
to everybody…,” he added.
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