Florida governor candidate threatens to send civilians armed with AR-15s to end ‘teen takeovers’ after weekend shooting
James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida governor, has threatened to send armed civilians to confront 'teen takeovers' following a shooting incident at a youth riot. The incident in Clearwater resulted in a 17-year-old being shot, and a 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the crime. Fishback's controversial stance has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporters expressing concern over the potential for violence.
- ▪James Fishback is running for governor of Florida and has proposed sending armed civilians to combat teen riots.
- ▪A 17-year-old was shot during a youth riot in Clearwater, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect.
- ▪Fishback's comments have sparked debate about the appropriateness of using armed civilians in response to youth violence.
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US News Florida governor candidate threatens to send civilians armed with AR-15s to end ‘teen takeovers’ after weekend shooting By Caitlin McCormack Published June 4, 2026, 6:46 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google A provocative candidate for Florida governor threatened to send a heavily armed team to address the Sunshine State’s next “teen takeover” after a teenager was shot at a youth riot over the weekend. James Fishback, a far-right Republican running for governor of Florida, warned that he would fight fire with fire if a “teen takeover” descends onto any of the state’s 67 counties. “If we find out that a teen takeover is showing up, we’re showing up with a dozen people with AR-15s.
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