PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) — The charter boat captain caught on camera berating another boater in southwest Florida this week has been identified.
The video, posted to Facebook and YouTube by Gage Towles, shows an argument between the two boaters, which takes a turn when the charter boat captain decides to step onto Towles’ boat.
An attorney for Capt. Brock Horner provided the following statement to NBC affiliate WBBH:
“As both Brock Horner’s attorney and his friend, I want to address the recent video that has circulated widely online, showing an intense exchange between Brock and a young man named Gage.
First and foremost, Brock sincerely apologizes to Gage, to Gage’s family, and to anyone who was frightened or upset by what they saw. He is deeply sorry. What began as a moment of frustration and concern escalated in a way it simply should not have. Gage handled the situation with impressive composure and class, and that level-headedness helped prevent things from becoming far worse.
Brock is not proud of how he acted. But it’s important to remember: we are not the sum of our worst day. That video captured one moment—not the whole of who he is.
Since the video went viral, Brock’s business has been destroyed, his reputation damaged, and his family — including his wife and mother—have been harassed and even threatened. Some have gone so far as to question his military service and accuse him of stolen valor.
Let me be clear: Brock is a decorated combat veteran who was severely injured in Afghanistan. He served honorably, earned multiple medals, and suffered a traumatic brain injury in combat. He is recognized as 100% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. That’s not an excuse — but it is part of his story. He stood up when this country asked him to, and that service deserves to be respected.
We live in a time when online outrage can quickly spiral into personal destruction. But just as Gage showed grace in the moment, I ask others to do the same now. Let’s hold people accountable — but also give them room to grow and make amends.
Brock is committed to doing exactly that.
Scott Weinberg, Attorney for Captain Brock Horner
Punta Gorda police said they are investigating the incident alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.
North Port Fire Rescue is also looking into the incident after Fire Chief Scott Titus revealed one of the passengers on the charter captain’s boat was one of his firefighters. He identified the man as “Firefighter Riggs.”
Officials have not released any additional details about the incident or their investigation.
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