Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Posts Armed Response Video Following Alleged Arson Attempt
Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback sparked controversy on Monday by posting a video on social media platform X showing himself emerging from his Madison County residence armed with a Ruger AR‑556 semi‑automatic rifle. The dramatic footage came in response to what Fishback described as an arsonist attempting to burn down his home the previous day.
Armed Response and Direct Warning
In the widely circulated clip, Fishback appears flanked by supporters as he walks out of his front door holding the rifle. Accompanying the video, the candidate issued a stark warning: "If anyone attacks our staff or volunteers, we will not wait for the police. We will shoot you dead." The post included Fishback's claim that "On Sunday, an arsonist tried to burn down my home where our staff was working."
Details of the Alleged Incident
Fishback told local media outlets that he returned to his Pinckney Street property to discover a fire burning in his side yard, which he believes was intentionally set. "If the Madison County Fire Rescue had not responded quickly, the flames would have reached the sunroom and the entire house might have gone up in flames," he stated. Despite these serious allegations, both Madison County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff's Office confirmed there is currently no open investigation into the incident, though they declined to explain their decision not to pursue one.
The candidate acknowledged that no security cameras were operational at the time of the fire but confirmed he plans to install surveillance systems moving forward.
Political Motivations Suspected
Calling the incident "disappointing," Fishback suggested the timing—shortly after his return from travel—raised suspicions that the fire was politically motivated. He hosted a supporters' rally at his home on Monday night following the alleged attack. Campaign officials confirmed that the candidate and his staff remained safe, and no arrests have been made in connection with the fire.
Fishback's Controversial Policy Positions
The incident has drawn renewed attention to Fishback's political platform, particularly his vocal opposition to the H‑1B visa program. The candidate has repeatedly called the system a "scam" that harms American workers and has pledged that if elected Florida Governor, he would immediately fire all H‑1B holders employed by state agencies.
Fishback claims his opposition stems partly from personal experience, stating that his mother lost her job in 2021 and was replaced by an H‑1B worker. In multiple public appearances, including Fox News panels and debates, Fishback has argued that U.S. companies deliberately prefer foreign labor over American applicants, asserting they "refuse to interview" local candidates and "hide job postings" to justify hiring H‑1B workers.
The combination of the alleged arson attempt and Fishback's armed response video has intensified discussions about political violence and campaign security in the current election cycle, while simultaneously highlighting the candidate's controversial immigration policy positions that have become central to his gubernatorial campaign.
