“You Should Be Lynched”: Florida Governor Candidate James Fishback Sparks Outrage

A Republican candidate for Florida governor is facing backlash after telling a Black man that he should be “lynched” during a tense conversation at a public event.

JJames Fishback, 31, made the remark when he was approached by influencer Tajy TV, who questioned him about allegations that he dated a minor. The incident took place in front of a crowd of supporters and was also recorded on video.

Tajy TV asked: “So, Mr. Fishback, what’s with you smashing a 16 or 17-year-old?” He was referring to claims that Fishback was in a relationship with a teenage girl in 2022, when Fishback was 27. He denied the accusations, calling the claims “completely false.” He also questioned Tajy TV, saying, “What are you talking about?”

However, Tajy TV continued the conversation, detailing the relationship between the minor and Fishback in a more graphic manner, which further angered Fishback and others in the crowd. During the exchange, Fishback, an American investor, said, “Why haven’t I been arrested?” He then turned to the interviewer and told him, “You should be lynched. You should be lynched for talking about me like that.”

“I should be lynched?” Tajy TV replied. “Yes, you should be lynched,” Fishback repeated.

However, the tense exchange did not end there. In response to Fishback’s remarks, Tajy TV shouted, “Lynch all pedophiles,” to which Fishback awkwardly agreed, despite denying the accusations.

The incident has also drawn strong reactions online, with critics calling the comment racist and dangerous. The use of the word “lynched” has a long and painful history in the U.S., especially for Black Americans.

Fishback, who is a right-wing Groyper, is currently at the bottom of the list of GOP gubernatorial candidates in Florida. He is also known for making several controversial statements in the past, where he used shocking remarks and offensive humor as part of his public image. Critics say this approach is aimed at gaining attention and support from fringe political groups.

In the past, Fishback mocked public figures and made references that people found offensive. These included jokes about historical figures and repeatedly used divisive language. In an X post, made in December, he called his opponent, Rep. Byron Donalds, a “slave” to his political donors. Donalds is a frontrunner in the gubernatorial race and is backed by the president.

So far, Fishback has issued no public apology for the remark. His campaign has also not released any statement addressing the incident.