Political argument on Facebook ends with Florida man getting shot in buttocks

Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff

Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff

A political dispute between two men on Facebook turned violent in Tampa, Florida, when one man shot the other in the thigh and buttocks, police said.

Brian Sebring, 44, shot Alex Stephens, 46, after exchanging threatening messages, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

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Sebring is a registered Democrat and Stephens is a former felon with no party affiliation, according to the Tampa Bay Times. It is unclear how the two men know each other.

The details of their political conversation have not been confirmed by police, but Sebring told KTRK it was about President Donald Trump.

Investigators said Sebring went to Stephens' home with a Glock handgun and AR-15 rifle and honked his truck horn, prompting Stephens to "sprint" toward him, WFLA reported.

Sebring fired two shots, hitting Stephens in the right thigh and buttocks, police said.

"I took two steps back, pulled my gun. Shot him in the hip and when he ran, I shot him in the butt," Sebring said.

Sebring surrendered to police and has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed firearm, according to WFLA.

Stephens is expected to recover from his injuries.

Brians was released from jail on $9,500 bond.

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