Woman charged for throwing drink at Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Florida Woman Arrested for Throwing Drink at Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz

Politics can be a heated topic, but one woman took it too far when she allegedly threw a drink at Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz over the weekend. The incident occurred at the South Walton Wine and Food Festival, where Gaetz was attending with his wife.

The Arrest

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they arrested 41-year-old Selena Chambers on Saturday after she reportedly threw a glass of wine at Gaetz. Chambers, a Tallahassee resident, was charged with battery on an elected official. She was issued a $1,000 bond and released the day after her arrest.

The Incident

Gaetz explained in a video statement that he was taking photos with festival-goers when Chambers approached him and threw her drink, which hit him and another individual he had been chatting with. Law enforcement officials identified the second individual as Blaine Odom. Chambers then began walking away “yelling and flipping him off.”

The Charges

Gaetz thanked the Walton County Sheriff’s Office “for taking swift action” after the alleged attack. He also stated that he will be pressing charges against Chambers to uphold the civility their community deserves. Odom also intends to press charges for the incident.

In Florida, simple battery is considered a first-degree misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Battery on an elected official enhances the charge, raising it to a third-degree felony, which is punishable in Florida by up to five years in prison and five years of probation, along with a fine of up to $5,000.

The Allegations

Gaetz alleged that Chambers is a registered Democrat and self-described member of the “Resistance.” He also claimed that she is an author and shared an image of a 2017 article she apparently wrote for Literary Hub. Chambers has an author page on Literary Hub.