MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (VINnews) — After claiming an arsonist tried to burn down his home Sunday, Florida Republican congressional candidate James Fishback gathered with supporters outside his Madison County residence Monday night and posted a photo of himself walking out the front door carrying what appeared to be a Ruger AR‑556 semi-automatic rifle.

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

Fishback wrote on X that the alleged arson targeted his home while campaign staff were inside. “If anyone attacks our staff or volunteers, we will not wait for the police. We will shoot you dead,” he posted.

Local law enforcement said they would not launch an investigation into the incident and declined to explain why.

Fishback is running as a Republican in Florida. Further details about the alleged fire were not immediately available.