Full Breakdown
Florida Influencer Charged After Livestreamed Alligator Shooting in Everglades
5/7/2026, 6:53:47 AM
Core Incident
On March 26, 2026, Braden Eric Peters, known as “Clavicular,” and companions Andrew Morales and Yabdiel Cotto Torres livestreamed from an airboat at the Francis S. Taylor Everglades Wildlife Management Area. In the Kick broadcast to over 300,000 followers, they fired roughly two dozen rounds at an alligator that appeared motionless and dead.
Background & Context
Peters leads the “looksmaxxing” subculture, which encourages extreme physical alteration through surgery, steroids, and drugs such as dutasteride, minoxidil, and methamphetamine. He has been arrested on battery charges and hospitalized after a suspected overdose.
Timeline
- March 26 – livestream and shooting; FWC posts a statement on X noting the video and launching an investigation.
- April 29 – misdemeanor charges filed.
- May 20 – arraignment in Miami-Dade County Court.
Data & Statistics
The video shows about 24 shots fired. Each defendant faces one count of unlawful firearm discharge, punishable by up to $1,000 fine and one year jail. Peters also has a prior battery charge.
Official Statements & Responses
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office said the conduct violated Florida law. The FWC stated it was “looking into the incident.” Peters’ lawyers, Steven Kramer and Jeffrey Neiman, said he followed a licensed airboat guide’s instructions and that “no animals or people were harmed.” Morales’ attorney, Richard L. Cooper, urged the public not to rush to judgment and noted no animal-injury allegation.
Criticism & Opposition
Local wildlife groups and community leaders condemned the stunt as reckless, calling for stricter enforcement of Florida’s alligator protection laws. Medical professionals have warned that Peters’ promotion of unapproved drugs and extreme body-modification practices poses significant health risks.
On-the-Ground Reports
In the livestream Peters asks, “Is it dead? So could we shoot it?” then says, “Let’s test really how dead it is,” before firing. Morales is heard saying, “He just wants to shoot something,” and also fires repeatedly at the animal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The FWC has not confirmed whether the alligator was alive at the time of the shooting, and prosecutors have not filed any animal-harm charge. Sources differ, with some describing the reptile as “apparently dead” and others noting the lack of official verification.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our client has been summoned to appear for a misdemeanor charge that stems from following the instructions of a licensed airboat guide.” — Steven Kramer, attorney
- “We urge the public not to rush to judgment. Importantly, there is no allegation that any animal was injured.” — Richard L. Cooper, attorney
- “aware of a video depicting individuals in the Everglades on an airboat who appear to be discharging firearms at an alligator. FWC officers are looking into the incident and will provide additional information when available.” — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- “He just wants to shoot something,” — Andrew Morales
What’s Next
The three men will be arraigned on May 20; the court will decide on trial, and the FWC may issue further findings pending investigation.
