Photo: Courtesy aattp.org.
George Zimmerman is back in the headlines again, this time for a controversial painting of a Confederate flag, reports WKMG Orlando.
You would think that Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder in the February 2012 shooting of African American teenager Trayvon Martin, would realize that any association with the politically and racially fraught Southern symbol, especially so close to the anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, could only further damage his already tarnished reputation. Alas, this is not the case.
George Zimmerman, Confederate Flag in Andy Hallinan’s Honor.
Photo: George Zimmerman, courtesy Florida Gun Supply.
News of Zimmerman’s dabbling in art first came to light in December 2013, when he sold a blue canvas featuring the American flag for $100,000 on eBay.
Now, he’s traded the stars and stripes for the stars and bars, in a misguided effort to show his support for Florida gun store owner Andy Hallinan, who is currently being sued by the Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida (CAIR Florida) over his decision to ban Muslims from patronizing his store after a Kuwait-born Muslim killed four American servicemen in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“I have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure the safety of all patriots in my community, so effective immediately, I’m declaring Florida Gun Supply a Muslim-free zone. I will not arm and train those who wish to do harm to my fellow patriots,” said Hallinan in a July video for the store, standing in front of a Confederate flag.
George Zimmerman with his $100,000 painting.
When Zimmerman learned of the lawsuit, he reached out to Hallinan and created the offensive artwork to show his support of the gun dealer.
“This painting was painted in honor of Andy Hallinan for being a true patriot and leading the country into a better, safer America,” reads the Florida Gun Supply website.
The store is selling signed prints of the work, which state “The 2nd protects our 1st,” in reference to the first two amendments, for $50 each. The original, which the men claim is worth $100,000, will be raffled off among purchasers.
“The first flag I painted on this canvas was an American Flag, but decided to repaint over it with the Confederate Flag when I heard Andy was getting sued,” explained Zimmerman on the store’s website. “The 2nd flag I painted was the Battle Flag which we need in America in order to protect the First (Amendment).”
George Zimmerman, Confederate Flag in Andy Hallinan’s Honor.
Photo: screenshot of Florida Gun Supply website.
Zimmerman and Hallinan will split the proceeds, and are hoping to raise “legal funds, living expenses and advancing their mission to change the country.” The website also claims that an undisclosed percentage is going to the Boys and Girls Club, “to help support the next generation!”
In January, Zimmerman ran afoul of the law yet again when he was arrested after a dispute with a girlfriend—apparently over one of his paintings.
The incident marked the third accusation of domestic abuse leveled against Zimmerman since he was acquitted of murder in July 2013.