George Zimmerman Is Auctioning Off Gun Used in Trayvon Martin Shooting

UPDATE 12:40 P.M. ET: According to CNN, the gun Zimmerman was trying to sell has disappeared from the auction site on which it was listed.

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Original story below:

George Zimmerman said Thursday that he will auction off the firearm used in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

"I'm a free American," Zimmerman told WOFL-TV. "And I can do whatever I'd like with my possessions."

In this July 9, 2013 file photo, George Zimmerman leaves the courtroom for a lunch break his trial in Seminole Circuit Court, in Sanford, Fla. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank, Pool, File)

The former neighborhood watchman, who was acquitted in 2013 for Martin's death, listed the firearm for a one-day online auction with a starting bid of $5,000.

Here's the item's full description, as listed on the auction's page:

Prospective bidders, I am honored and humbled to announce the sale of an American Firearm Icon. The firearm for sale is the firearm that was used to defend my life and end the brutal attack from Trayvon Martin on 2/26/2012. The gun is a Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm. It has recently been returned to me by the Department of Justice. The pistol currently has the case number written on it in silver permanent marker. Many have expressed interest in owning and displaying the firearm including The Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. This is a piece of American History. It has been featured in several publications and in current University text books. Offers to purchase the Firearm have been received; however, the offers were to use the gun in a fashion I did not feel comfortable with. The firearm is fully functional as the attempts by the Department of Justice on behalf of B. Hussein Obama to render the firearm inoperable were thwarted by my phenomenal Defense Attorney. I recognize the purchaser's ownership and right to do with the firearm as they wish. The purchaser is guaranteed validity and authenticity of the firearm. On this day, 5/11/2016 exactly one year after the shooting attempt to end my life by BLM sympathizer Matthew Apperson I am proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds will be used to: fight BLM violence against Law Enforcement officers, ensure the demise of Angela Correy's persecution career and Hillary Clinton's anti-firearm rhetoric. Now is your opportunity to own a piece of American History. Good Luck. Your friend, George M. Zimmerman ~Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum~

Zimmerman told WOFL he "recently received" the firearm back from the Department of Justice.

"They had it. They actually took it after my trial, after I was exonerated," he said.

Zimmerman said he listed the gun because he "thought it's time to move past the firearm."

"And if I sell it, and it sales, I move past it," he told WOFL. "Otherwise, it's going in a safe for my grandkids. And never to be used or seen ever again."

Image source: George Zimmerman/GunBroker.com

Image source: George Zimmerman/GunBroker.com

Martin's family released a statement to WOFL which did not directly address the auction.

"The Trayvon Martin Foundation is committed to its mission of ending senseless gun violence in the United States," it said. "This election season, we are laser focused on furthering that mission. As such, the foundation has no comment on the actions of that person."

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