George Zimmerman won't get his gun back just yet

The Justice Department asked a Florida police department to delay until it finishes its investigation

Published July 19, 2013 1:48PM (EDT)

The Sanford Police Department has delayed returning George Zimmerman's gun, along with other evidence, following a request from the Department of Justice.

The DOJ asked that the police department hold off until the agency finishes its review of the Trayvon Martin shooting, and decides whether or not to bring civil rights charges against Zimmerman, who was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter last week.

The Sanford PD had said that it would return the gun used to shoot  Martin to Zimmerman, if he requested it.

From the Orlando Sentinel:

The items include Zimmerman's gun, Trayvon's clothes, cell phone, the bag of Skittles and beverage found in his pockets – in short all the evidence collected by the agency as it investigated the Feb. 26, 2012, homicide.

Following the verdict, there were demands for a federal civil rights investigation, but the DOJ began its probe more than a year ago, although it has said little about its findings.

"The evidence is just in a hold status, pending their DOJ investigation," said police spokesman Capt. Jim McAuliffe.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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