PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A viral video of a heated exchange on the Peace River Monday night has caused unintended fallout for an innocent charter boat captain with a similar name.

The video, which has deservedly outraged many, shows a man, identified by his attorney as Punta Gorda fishing boat captain Brock Horner, jumping onto another boat, dangerously escalating an intense confrontation. The altercation was captured on a body camera worn by 22-year-old Gage Tawles, who can be heard panicking and yelling in fear during the encounter.

Now, the Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard are investigating possible trespassing charges. In addition, North Port Fire Rescue is reviewing the incident after one of their firefighters was reportedly aboard Horner’s vessel along with two others who didn’t actively do anything to de-escalate the situation or restrain Horner.

The fallout from the video has reached beyond those directly involved. Another charter captain, Brock Wagner of Chokoloskee, says he’s being harassed by people mistaking him for Horner.

“There’s more than one Captain Brock out there… I’d just like my name back,” Wagner said.

Wagner, who operates an Everglades fishing charter, said the trouble began with a disturbing phone call he won’t soon forget.

“Basically, it was a guy just saying, ‘Hey, you like to fight children.’ He basically cussed me out, and I looked at my wife, and I was like, what?” he recalled.

After some digging, Wagner discovered the confusion stemmed from the viral video and the fact that he shares a first name with the man at the center of it.

“And then we realized that we might have a PR problem,” he said.

Things escalated quickly. Wagner said he’s received threatening calls and fake online reviews targeting his business.

“It was frightening, people threatening you. It was so scary. I sent my wife out of town,” he said.

The incident has shaken the charter fishing community, where professionalism and calm on the water are seen as critical.

“Captain Horner was unhinged. He clearly was very upset,” Wagner said. 

“We as captains have to be better on the water. We are the professionals and we have to be good stewards of the water. We have to be patient, even for a kayak. We can’t let our bad days really spill over into our profession,” Wagner said.

While Wagner understands the public’s outrage, he urges people to confirm facts before taking action.

“Just do a little research before you lash out and maybe don’t lash out,” he said.

Despite the chaos, Wagner says he’s received an outpouring of support from fellow captains around the world trying to help clear his name.

“I’ve got guides and captains all over the planet, basically at this point, trying to help me clear my name, and I’m just humbled. I’m literally humbled by that, and I want to thank all of you,” he said.

He also warns the public to be cautious of any social media fundraising campaigns using his name, adding that he has no plans to create one.

Meanwhile, Brock Horner’s attorney says his client is deeply remorseful for his actions and apologizes to the 22-year-old and his family. He also added that Horner is regretful and not proud of his behavior. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Below is a statement the attorney for Captain Brock Horner shared with local media.

“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