George Zimmerman spoke in this first television interview since being arrested for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, telling Fox News’ Sean Hannity that he is sorry for the “tragic situation” and that he prays daily for the Martin family.
His highly anticipated interview with Hannity aired Wednesday night, with Zimmerman calling the situation “the most difficult thing I’ll ever go through in my life.” In February Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watch leader, shot Martin after he said the 17-year-old confronted him. Martin was unarmed and trying to return to the house of his father’s girlfriend.
On the Hannity show, Zimmerman gave his account of the situation: He said he followed Martin because he looked suspicious running between houses in the rain, and when he turned to confront the young man Martin accosted him. Zimmerman said he reached into his pocket to get his phone and call 911 for a second time when Martin struck him.
“I looked up and he punched me and broke my nose,” Zimmerman said with attorney Mark O’Mara by his side.
Zimmerman also said he heard Martin say “he’s going to kill me.”
George Zimmerman fired his gun at Martin, saying that he didn’t even think he struck him at first. It wasn’t until later that he found out Martin had indeed died. He said he didn’t intend to kill the boy, but that it was “God’s plan.”
Zimmerman said he is in hiding and feels his life is at jeopardy now, not leaving home since the night of the shooting.
He also countered critics who said he was acting out of racial bias. Zimmerman is the son of a white father and Peruvian mother of Hispanic descent, NBCNews.com noted.
“I don’t think it’s fair that they rushed to judgement to assume that,” he told Fox News.
Hannity asked Zimmerman what he would say to Martin’s parents, and he answered, “I would tell them that, again, I’m sorry.” Zimmerman added:
My wife and I don’t have any children. I have nephews that I love more than life. I love them more than myself. And I know when they were born, it was a different unique bond and love that I have with them. And I love my children even though that they aren’t born yet.
I am sorry that they buried their child. I can’t imagine what it must feel like. I pray for them daily.
George Zimmerman is awaiting trial for second-degree murder.
