Andrew Morales, a Cuban influencer widely recognized as "Cuban Tarzan," is facing criminal charges in Miami-Dade County after a viral video surfaced showing multiple men repeatedly shooting at an alligator in Florida's Everglades.
The event, which took place on March 26 within the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, also involves the contentious influencer Clavicular (Braden Eric Peters) and Yabdiel Aníbal Cotto Torres, known as "Baby Alien."
On April 29, the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office filed charges against the trio.
Legal Repercussions
All three men are charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for illegally discharging a firearm in a public place, a charge that carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The Viral Video Sparks Investigation
Clavicular livestreamed the incident on the Kick platform. In the footage, the three men are seen on an airboat, firing over a dozen shots at the alligator.
Peters can be heard asking, "Is it dead? Can we shoot it, then?" After firing, he states, "Yeah, it’s definitely dead."
Amid laughter, Morales remarks that Peters "just wants to shoot something" and has an "itchy trigger finger."
Following the video's online spread, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced on X that they were "aware of a video showing individuals in the Everglades on an airboat appearing to shoot at an alligator" and that their officers were investigating the matter.
Defense Statements
Richard L. Cooper, Morales' attorney, urged the public to "refrain from rushing to judgment."
"There is no allegation of any animal being harmed, and the available evidence does not support the sensational narrative circulating online. My client relied on information and guidance provided by authoritative figures and had no criminal intent," he emphasized.
Peters' legal team issued a similar statement: "Our client is summoned for a minor charge stemming from following instructions given by a licensed airboat guide. No animals or humans were harmed. We are confident that once the full picture is understood, people will see this for what it is."
From Environmental Hero to Defendant: The Cuban Tarzan's Journey
The case is particularly striking for Morales, a 22-year-old Cuban residing in South Florida, who gained fame through his image as a nature enthusiast.
His videos showcasing him capturing invasive green iguanas with his bare hands in Miami-Dade canals and the Everglades have amassed more than 70 million views across various platforms.
Morales has consistently claimed his activities serve an environmental purpose: "I don't do it for fame or money; I do it because iguanas are devastating the vegetation, and I want to do my part."
This history starkly contrasts with the alligator incident, as the animal is protected in a wildlife management area. Unlike iguanas, hunting and harassing alligators are tightly regulated in Florida and only allowed through specific permits during designated seasons.
Clavicular's Ongoing Controversies
The alligator incident is just one of Clavicular's recent controversies.
In the same month as the shooting, he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on assault charges related to a fight between his girlfriend and another influencer at a rental home in Kissimmee. In April, he was hospitalized after an apparent overdose during a livestream from a Miami nightclub, and YouTube blocked two of his channels.
Florida's Lieutenant Governor, Jay Collins, responded firmly from the outset: "Florida's wildlife and waterways deserve respect, not exploitation for content creation. Under my watch, anyone mistreating wildlife in the state will be held accountable to the full extent of the law."
The arraignment hearing for the three accused is scheduled for May 20.
Key Information About the Cuban Influencer Case
What charges are the influencers facing?
The influencers are charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for illegal firearm discharge in a public setting, which could result in up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Who is involved in the alligator shooting incident?
The incident involves Cuban influencer Andrew Morales, known as "Cuban Tarzan," along with Clavicular (Braden Eric Peters) and Yabdiel Aníbal Cotto Torres, known as "Baby Alien."
What was the public reaction to the video?
The video prompted a strong reaction, including an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and criticism from Florida's Lieutenant Governor, Jay Collins.