Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Florida Man Charged After Airboat Fires at Alligator

5/7/2026

22 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Braden Eric Peters (Clavicular) was charged with discharging a firearm on March 26 at the Everglades ramp and arraigned on May 20.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing video that appears to show an airboat firing at an alligator, though no injury confirmed.
His attorneys say he followed a guide, that no one was harmed, yet he faces a battery charge and suits for battery, fraud and emotional distress.

History

Historical Context

The Lacey Act, enacted in 1900 to stop illegal trade in fish, wildlife and plants, has been repeatedly strengthened to safeguard native species. Building on the 1992 Alien Species Prevention and Enforcement Act, today the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing Everglades air-boat footage of a suspected gunshot, invoking those expanded federal protections.

1 of 2

Story summary

Braden Eric Peters (Clavicular) was charged with discharging a firearm on March 26 at the Everglades ramp and arraigned on May 20.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reviewing video that appears to show an airboat firing at an alligator, though no injury confirmed.
His attorneys say he followed a guide, that no one was harmed, yet he faces a battery charge and suits for battery, fraud and emotional distress.

1 / 2