George Zimmerman was shot in an apparent road rage incident in Lake Mary, Florida. Although it is unclear what sparked the argument, Lake Mary Police Chief Steve Bracknell confirmed an unidentified man opened fire and shot Zimmerman in the face.
As reported by WESH Orlando , Zimmerman was transported away from the scene in an ambulance . However, Bracknell confirmed the wound appears to be minor as Zimmerman was able to stand and walk without assistance.
Chief Bracknell said the incident remains under investigation. Witnesses at the scene suggested the argument originated over a traffic incident. However, authorities believe it may be related to an “ongoing dispute.”
George Zimmerman allegedly shot in the face during road rage incident http://t.co/Rn1wxw25UA pic.twitter.com/c4t2j4OXfT
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 11, 2015
George Zimmerman first made headlines in 2012 when he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Although Zimmerman argued that he shot Martin in self-defense, authorities later revealed the teen was unarmed. Zimmerman was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting became a point of heated controversy.
With so many violence incidents happening with this guy, why is #GeorgeZimmerman never referred to as a “thug”?
— Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) May 11, 2015
The incident was specifically controversial, as Zimmerman vehemently defended the shooting and denied any wrongdoing.
On July 13, 2013, George Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. In February 2015, the United States Department of Justice subsequently determined Zimmerman did not violate the teen’s civil rights.
Zimmerman’s acquittal raised serious questions about Florida’s self-defense law, which is commonly called the Stand Your Ground law.
The law, which remains controversial, permits residents to use deadly force to defend themselves if they “have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm… ”
Zimmerman contends he had reason to believe he was in imminent danger, and therefore had a right to defend himself using deadly force. Opponents have argued that the defendant simply used the law as an excuse.
Following his acquittal, Zimmerman has had several run-ins with the law, including a 2013 road rage incident, which also occurred in Lake Mary, Florida.
As reported by Click Orlando , Zimmerman threatened to shoot and kill another driver who reportedly cut him off in traffic. Although the incident was reported to authorities, the unidentified man declined to press charges.
The Lake Mary Police Department confirmed George Zimmerman was shot in the face on Monday. However, the specific details were not discussed.
[Photo by Seminole County Sheriff`s Office via Getty Images ]
