George Zimmerman is auctioning the Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm he used to shoot and kill Trayvon Martin in 2012. It's billed as a chance to own a piece of defensive shooting history.
The case drew international attention owing to alleged overtones of racism and its test of Florida's stand-your-ground statute. Hoodies became a symbol of bigotry and it seemed like everyone was cashing in on the event. Companies profited from T-shirts and hoodie sales, media outlets that used family photos were charged usage fees by the family portrait photographer that shot them, and even Martin's mother filed two trademark applications for the phrases “I Am Trayvon” and “Justice for Trayvon.”
We're not surprised to see Zimmerman selling the pistol.
Still, we don't see Zimmerman's Kel-Tec commanding the same attention, or price, as something like the 6.5 mm Carcano Lee used to kill President John F. Kennedy, or the HK416 used to switch of Osama bin Laden, or the Browning FN Model 1910 used in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. But, we'll be curious to see what the internet thinks the Kel-Tec used in Trayvon Martins shooting is worth and how much attention the 24-hour auction receives.
It's important to note Zimmerman was charged by a special prosecutor appointed by the Governor of Florida only as a result of intense public pressure after the Sanford Police Department declined to press charges. He was later acquitted of the second-degree murder charge brought against him by the state of Florida.
The auction begins tomorrow, May 12, on Gunbroker at 11am EST.
Update: Gunbroker pulled the auction. The company said, “We want no part in the listing on our web site or in any of the publicity it is receiving.”
Update: The Kel-tec is now listed for sale on United Gun Group's website and the auction appears to have been hijacked, with bidding up in the tens-of-millions of dollars.
Steel case ammo is back! Or is it? Magtech Steel Case 9mm is one of…
Rugged SurgeX is built like a tank, but can it be as quiet as you…
The old things are new again! Springfield Armory is releasing their SA-16A2, an M16A2 clone…
A piece of history that has an earned reputation for being on the of the…
Do you own body armor? Should you? We take a closer look at the pros…
Arizona is hot but these suppressors are cool! Check out just some of the fun…