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Buckeye Firearms Group Raises Money for Zimmerman Firearm

A pro-gun group in Ohio has raised more than 12,000 dollars to buy George Zimmerman a new firearm. He is the former neighborhood watch volunteer who was acquitted of all charges in the fatal killing of the unarmed teen, Trayvon Martin, in Florida.

Buckeye Firearms Foundation spokesperson Jim Irvine says his group raised money because they believe Zimmerman’s gun owner rights are being violated. The foundation posted a story on their website after the Justice Department ordered the Sanford Police Department to keep George Zimmerman’s gun, pending their investigation into civil rights violations in the case. The site brought in more than 12 thousand dollars from 48 states and three counties and Irvine says the check was delivered to Zimmerman on Tuesday.

“Cause we want to help someone who needs help," says Irvine.  "That’s the bottom line, and when the Department of Justice said we’re gonna put a hold on all his property after he’s acquitted and not return his stuff to him, we said, ‘Man that stinks. This guys in a bad spot.’ So we just thought, let’s raise a little money for him and help him out.”

Irvine says because of their support, their website has been hacked and taken offline. The Buckeye Firearms Foundation is working with the FBI to find out who is responsible.

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.