News

All The Reactions To Zimmerman's Latest Episode

by Abby Johnston

After a bullet fired in an alleged traffic dispute missed his head on Monday, George Zimmerman was released from the hospital with minor injuries. This latest confrontation follows a string of run-ins with girlfriends, ex-wives, and strangers since Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin in 2012. Although a Florida jury acquitted Zimmerman in July 2013, much of Twitter seems to be less forgiving in the wake of this latest gun-related incident.

This continues the trial by social media that began with Zimmerman's controversial acquittal from murder and manslaughter charges at the state-level court. Twitter was largely responsible for bringing Martin's slaying into national purview and keeping the conversation alive through the trial. And with each subsequent Zimmerman run-in — believe me, there are a lot — the Florida man creeps back as a trending topic.

According to police, Zimmerman flagged down an officer in Lake Mary, Florida on Monday, telling police someone had shot at him in his car. Matthew Apperson, identified by police as the shooter, called 911 and admitted to shooting at Zimmerman. Police say that Zimmerman did not fire a weapon in Monday's incident. According to his lawyer, Zimmerman suffered minor facial injuries caused by flying glass from his windshield and was never struck by the bullet. Apperson's attorney said that he fired in self-defense.

This isn't the first time that Apperson and Zimmerman have faced each other. In September 2014, Zimmerman rolled up next to Apperson while driving, according to Apperson, shouting, "Do you know who I am?" Apperson said publicly that Zimmerman threatened to shoot him, but no claims were filed.

Early reports seemed to have Twitter users jumping to conclusions about Zimmerman's role in the shooting.

But even after it became clear Zimmerman was not the shooter, they weren't necessarily, uh, remorseful.

A tiny slice of the Internet showed support for Zimmerman.

Others seem tired of the Zimmerman headlines completely. And with all of the legal incidents under his belt since his acquittal, that seems pretty fair.

No charges have been filed so far.