Florida authorities have issued a statewide Amber Alert for 17-year-old Caden Speight, who went missing following a shooting incident in Dunellon, Marion County. Witnesses report that Speight was abducted while wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, raising questions about whether the attack was politically motivated.
The shooting occurred Thursday evening near Marion County Airport, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. Police arrived at the scene to find Speight’s vehicle running but without its owner present.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Speight is described as 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, and was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans. He was reportedly last seen near the 12800 block of SW Highway 84 in Dunellon. Speight is originally from Citrus County.
Local media reports suggest that Speight was wearing his signature pro-Trump hat when he disappeared. The FDLE stated that Speight may be in the company of four unidentified males, possibly Hispanic, who may be traveling in a light-colored van. Authorities have urged the public not to approach the suspects if spotted but to immediately contact law enforcement.
Police suspect that Speight may be injured and in danger, as evidence of gunfire was found in his car. A helicopter search was conducted overnight, but no sign of the teenager was found. Hospital records show no patient matching his description, according to local officials.
In an emotional post on Facebook, Speight’s sister pleaded with his captors to release him, expressing her anguish and urging continued efforts to find him. “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,” she wrote.
It remains unclear whether Speight left the scene voluntarily or was forcibly taken, and investigators are still working to determine how he came into contact with the four suspects. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities say the shooting and possible abduction occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday, with the Amber Alert issued several hours later. Given the circumstances, Speight’s disappearance is considered a high-priority case.
Additional reports from investigative journalists indicate Speight is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. His parents say they received a text from him shortly after the shooting, stating that he had been shot and needed help, and mentioned four Hispanic males and a van.
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