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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Owen Scott

‘Looksmaxxing’ influencer Clavicular arrested in Florida as officials confirm they’re ‘looking into’ viral alligator shooting video

Controversial “looksmaxxing” influencer Clavicular has been arrested in Florida on an assault charge, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

The 20-year-old social media star was taken into custody on March 26, according to BSO inmate records. He faces one count of battery and was arrested on a warrant issued by Osceola County authorities on March 9.

In his mugshot, Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Eric Peters, stares sternly at the camera. In the image, he is seen wearing a beige t-shirt and his distinctive, curly brunette hair.

The so-called “looksmaxxing” influencer is listed as being 6’1” tall and 170 pounds, according to the records. His bail has been set at $1,000 and his expected release date is listed as April 10.

The arrest came a day before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced in a statement that it had launched an investigation into a viral clip involving an alligator.

In a video posted this week, Clavicular is seen riding an airboat with three other people and opening fire on the floating reptile.

It’s not clear if Clavicular’s arrest is related to the video.

At the start of the clip obtained by TMZ, the man sitting beside Clavicular brandishes a pistol and first opens fire on the alligator.

Before he discharges a second shot, a man’s laughter can be heard.

Then, Clavicular can be seen pulling out a gun from his shorts.

“Yeah, I think that gator’s…” the man beside Clavicular begins, before the influencer abruptly stands up.

After opening fire, Clavicular says, “Just had to make sure.”

A video uploaded by Clavicular, an influencer known for discussing ‘looksmaxxing,’ is being investigated by Florida authorities (YouTube/ Clavicular)

The other man begins rapidly firing, with Clavicular discharging multiple shots of his own.

“Yeah, I think it’s dead,” Clavicular says.

“I can’t hear s***,” the other man replies.

According to FWC guidelines, rifles and handguns may be used only for commercial alligator trapping.

Under Florida Statute 379.409, it is illegal to kill, injure, possess or capture an alligator unless an individual is authorized to do so. Attempting to kill or injure alligators is also strictly prohibited.

Under Florida Statute 379.409, it is illegal to kill, injure, possess or capture an alligator unless an individual is authorized to do so. Attempting to kill or injure alligators is also strictly prohibited (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

As the investigation continues, the FWC says it will provide information when it becomes “available.”

Jay Collins, the lieutenant governor of Florida, wrote on X that he is “looking forward to seeing charges pressed against those who would brazenly disrespect our laws.”

Clavicular rocketed to fame for his livestreams and videos on social media platforms, including Kick and TikTok.

The influencer often discusses “looksmaxxing,” a trend in which men take drastic measures to transform their appearances.

In his videos, he has spoken about engaging in so-called “bonesmashing,” which involves striking his cheekbones with a hammer to alter their shape.

Killing an alligator without permission is forbidden under Florida law (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

In December last year, Clavicular told The Daily Wire that Vice President JD Vance would be defeated by California Governor Gavin Newsom in a presidential election simply because of his appearance.

“JD Vance is subhuman, and Gavin Newsom mogs,” he explained.

Mogging is slang for outperforming or outclassing.

Clavicular went on to claim that JD the vice president had a “very short total facial width-to-height ratio” and was “obese.”

The Independent has contacted the FWC for comment.

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