What is the controversy surrounding Florida charter captain Brock Horner? Details explored

Brock Horner is a charter boat captain who founded and owns Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters. Horner has been making headlines because of his heated confrontation with 22-year-old Gage Towles, who was fishing in the same waters in Punta Gorda in Florida. The incident happened on April 1, 2025, and Towles recorded the whole face-off and posted it on his Facebook. In less than 24 hours, Towles' post has garnered more than 5 million views.

In the video, Towles was seen fishing in his own boat when Brock Horner and a group of men approached him on a separate boat. Horner starts asking him why his safety lights were off and refused to listen when the young man told him they were on. Horner then starts accusing and using abusive language toward Towles. Even though another boat near them was not using safety lights, Horner kept pushing Towles about the lights.

The profanities did not stop as Horner's boat came closer to Gage Towles' boat. Horner proclaims himself a war veteran and a charter captain. Right before getting on Towles' boat, he said

"I’m the best charter captain you will ever meet" - Brock Horner declared.

Towles can be heard on the camera saying that he appreciates their service, and later on, when Horner was on his boat, Towles kept telling the war veteran that he is "just a kid," but that did not stop Horner from being aggressive (verbally) towards the 22-year-old.

More details on the Brock Horner controversy

Recently, an X user by the username Shipwreckedcrew (@shipwreckedcrew) posted on the social media platform claiming that they are friends with Horner's attorney. This is what they wrote,

"I received a note from an attorney who I'm good friends with, and who represents Capt. Brock Horner. He reached to me about a statement they have already put out setting forth some additional information that warrants consideration." - the post starts.

It continues,

"It begins a full apology to the young man fishing by himself from Brock Horner. Capt. Horner's business and family have already suffered significantly as a result of the video. It also includes some information about Capt. Horner that is important to keep in mind. He is a decorated combat veteran who suffered serious injuries in Afghanistan, including a traumatic brain injury suffered in combat. The VA has diagnosed him as 100% disabled as a result of his combat injuries."

Shipwreckedcrew added,

"I'm not deleting my below because I want this addition to be read in context. The young man -- Gage -- handled himself as best he was able under the circumstances. But Brock Horner's conduct needs to be seen in the context of what he has given for his country. Make this guy famous - act like a f**king adult rather than moron maniac. Get help." - @shipwreckedcrew ended.

The Punta Gorda Police Department has issued a statement that the matter is being looked into by both the Punta Gorda Police Department, FWC, and the US Coast Guard.

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