George Zimmerman files $265M lawsuit against presidential candidates

FLORIDA (WPIX) -- George Zimmerman, the Florida block watch captain who was acquitted on murder charges in the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin, is suing two Democratic presidential candidates for defamation.

Zimmerman's suit claims he was defamed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Mayor Pete Buttigieg two weeks ago on the anniversary of Martin's death. The suit is seeking $265 million in damages.

In a lawsuit filed in circuit court in Polk County, where Zimmerman now lives, Klayman alleges the tweets “defamed Zimmerman for political gain in misguided and malicious attempts to bolster their standings amongst African-American voters, all at Zimmerman's expense,” the Orlando Sentinel reports.

The lawsuit against Buttigieg and Warren argues that, though the candidates didn't mention him in their tweets, they unfairly tied Zimmerman to racism, white supremacy and gun violence.

MORE:

• George Zimmerman files massive lawsuit against 2 Democratic presidential candidates - WPIX

• George Zimmerman sues Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren over Trayvon Martin birthday tweets - Orlando Sentinel