Republican gubernatorial hopeful James Fishback on Monday posted a video showing himself emerging from his Madison County residence holding a Ruger AR‑556 semi‑automatic rifle, after claiming an arsonist tried to burn down his home on Sunday.In the clip shared on X, Fishback, flanked by supporters, walks out of his front door armed with the rifle. “If anyone attacks our staff or volunteers, we will not wait for the police. We will shoot you dead,” the candidate wrote alongside the video.
On Sunday, an arsonist tried to burn down my home where our staff was working.
If anyone attacks our staff or volunteers, we will not wait for the police.
We will shoot you dead.
pic.twitter.com/7Bc0gWs3RN
— James Fishback (@j_fishback) February 10, 2026
Alleged fire in yard
Fishback told local media that he returned to his property on Pinckney Street 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 said.Despite his allegations, Madison County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office confirmed there is no open investigation into the incident and declined to explain the decision not to pursue one.Fishback acknowledged that no security cameras were installed at the time of the fire, but said he will install them moving forward.
Political violence fears
Calling the incident “disappointing,” Fishback said the timing — shortly after his return from travel — raised suspicions that the fire was politically motivated. He added that he hosted a supporters’ rally at his home on Monday night following the incident.Campaign officials said the candidate and his staff were safe, and no arrests have been made in connection with the fire.
Fishback’s controversial policy positions: H‑1B visa opposition
Fishback, a vocal critic of the H‑1B visa programme, has repeatedly called the system a “scam” that harms American workers. He has pledged that if elected Florida Governor, he would immediately fire all H‑1B holders employed by state agencies, declaring that foreign labour supplants domestic talent.He claims his opposition stems in part from personal experience, saying his mother lost her job in 2021 and was replaced by an H‑1B worker. In public appearances, including a Fox panel and debates, Fishback has argued that US companies prefer foreign labour over American applicants, asserting that they “refuse to interview” local candidates and “hide job postings” to justify hiring H‑1B workers.
