Florida law enforcement has launched a statewide Amber Alert for 17-year-old Caden Speight, who vanished following a shooting incident. Witnesses reported that he was abducted while wearing a red Make America Great Again hat, prompting speculation about a potential political motive behind the attack.
Speight is thought to have been involved in a shooting that occurred Thursday evening in Dunellon, Marion County, approximately 80 miles from Orlando.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reported that officers found Speight’s vehicle idling near Marion County Airport, but he was nowhere to be found.
The Amber Alert describes Speight as 6 feet tall and weighing around 150 pounds, last seen in a dark t-shirt and jeans in the 12800 block of SW Highway 84 in Dunellon. He is originally from Citrus County.
Local news outlets indicate that Speight may have been wearing the distinctive pro-Trump hat at the time of his disappearance.
“Caden may be in the company of four unknown males, possibly Hispanic,” the FDLE stated. “They may be traveling in a light-colored van. If located, DO NOT APPROACH. Contact law enforcement immediately.”
Authorities are concerned that Speight may be injured and in danger, as his vehicle showed signs of gunfire.
A helicopter search was conducted throughout the night without any leads on Speight’s whereabouts, and hospital records do not indicate a victim matching his description, according to The Ocala StarBanner.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Speight’s sister urged his captors to release him, saying, “God I just want him home. I can’t sleep, eat, or do anything not knowing where he is and if he is safe. Please don’t stop searching or looking. There is still little to no information on what happened or where he could be. I don’t understand why this has happened. Just bring him home.”
It remains unclear whether Speight left the shooting scene voluntarily or was forcibly taken, as reported by The Independent. Investigators are also trying to determine how the four suspects connected with him.
The FDLE added, “If you have any information on the whereabouts of this child, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.”
Evidence suggests that the shooting and possible abduction occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday, and a statewide Amber Alert was issued several hours later.
Florida authorities have classified Speight’s case as a high priority due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. An investigative reporter studying the case noted that Speight is a strong supporter of Donald Trump and MAGA. “His parents claim they received a text from him yesterday at 4 p.m. saying he was shot and needed help. He also mentioned four Hispanics and a van,” the reporter said.
