A gun club in Ohio has raised over $12,000 to buy George Zimmerman new guns or a security system after the 9mm pistol Zimmerman used to kill Trayvon Martin was taken into evidence by the U.S. Justice Department. The department is currently conducting a civil rights investigation into Martin's shooting, while the gun club argues that Justice is actually violating Zimmerman's civil rights by keeping his handgun from him.

Reports the Associated Press:

The Buckeye Firearms Foundation’s check is meant to be spent on guns, ammunition, protective gear or a security system, said Ken Hanson, the group’s legal chairman.

"The Department of Justice refused to return him his gun, and he’s in need of protection," Hanson said. "The money is intended to be used for anything he needs to defend himself or his family. He has complete discretion on how to use the money."

Zimmerman's spokesperson said that the check, for $12,150.37, will be deposited into an account for Zimmerman's legal fees. That fund had grown to more than $300,000 in January. Zimmerman's spokesperson also said Zimmerman has so far turned down multiple offers of free guns.

[Image via AP]