Raging charter captain boards boat to berate young fisherman in profanity-laced tirade: ‘You wanna f—ing go?’
ByAnna Young
Published April 5, 2025, 10:56 p.m. ET
387 Comments
An enraged Florida charter boat captain was caught on camera jumping onto a young fisherman’s small boat during a profanity-laced tirade that has since gone viral.
Brock Horner, 40, was charged with assault for jumping onto a boat operated by Gage Towels in Punta Gorda’s Charlotte Harbor and aggressively accosting the 22-year-old over an alleged incident earlier in the day, according to police.
The crazed incident, which has garnered more than 15 million views on Facebook, escalated when Towels told Horner he had the wrong person — and told him he can’t come “flying through the bridge area.”
“You wanna f–ing go?” Horner, who identified himself and his passengers as war veterans, screamed.
5Towles tells Horner that he didn’t have permission to be “flying through the bridge area” of Peace River, a scenic river that flows into Charlotte Harbor.YouTube/SixFourFishing
Towels questioned whether the boater was trying to act tough in front of his friends as he told him to “get the f–k out of here,” the footage showed.
Explore More
Musk appears to break with Trump admin on tariffs — as he slams Peter Navarro and says he wants 'zero tariff situation' with Europe
Travel warning issued for tropical hotspot over crime concerns, sharks
Best mezzo soprano singer 'on the planet' fired by legendary opera house after she struggled to hit her high notes: suit
“Dude, all these f–ers know I’m a tough motherf—er,” Horner howled.“I’m the best charter captain you’ll ever meet in your mother f–ing life,” he screamed before suddenly jumping onto Towles’ boat, according to the footage.
“Chill bro, chill bro please!” a frightened Towels repeatedly yelled as he hit the throttle and attempted to speed away with Horner aboard.
“I’m a kid bro, I’m a kid.”
5The viral video has generated over 15 million views on Facebook.YouTube/SixFourFishing
Horner continued to berate the younger angler and demand an apology as Towels ran to the edge of his boat and pleaded that he never did what he was being accused of while anxiously apologizing.
“Do it again, and watch what f–ing happens,” Horner shrilled, as Towels shared his appreciation for his military service, according to the video.
“You f–ed with the wrong motherf—er.”
5Brock Horner, 40, was charged with assault.Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
The viral incident landed a now-apologetic Horner behind bars and charged with burglary with assault or battery, non-forced entry, police said.
“This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our waterways–or anywhere else in our city,” Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith said in a statement.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water.”
5The viral incident landed a now-apologetic Horner behind bars and charged with burglary with assault or battery, non-forced entry, police said. YouTube/SixFourFishing
The unhinged boat captain’s attorney has since released a statement sharing his client’s remorse while praising Towels for his “impressive composure” and “level-headedness.”
“He is deeply sorry,” the statement reads, in part, according to Gulf Coast News Now.
“What began as a moment of frustration and concern escalated in a way it simply should not have.”
5Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith said behavior like Horner’s would not be tolerated on waterways.YouTube/SixFourFishing
The statement also noted that Horner is a decorated combat veteran who was severely injured in Afghanistan, adding that his reputation and business have been tarnished since Towels’ video went viral.
“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,” the statement continued.
387
What do you think? Post a comment.
“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.”
Horner is being held at the Charlotte County Jail.
