Man Charged in Shooting of Solicitor in Brandon Neighborhood

Experts weigh in on use of force and self-defense laws after incident

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 38-year-old man named Reginald McGee is facing three charges, including attempted second-degree murder, after allegedly shooting a door-to-door salesman in a Brandon, Florida neighborhood. The victim survived the shooting and is recovering.

Why it matters

This incident has sparked a wider conversation about the appropriate use of force and self-defense laws, especially when it comes to interactions between residents and solicitors at private homes.

The details

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, McGee shot the solicitor multiple times until he ran out of bullets. McGee then returned to his home before being arrested. Legal experts say that in this case, the use of deadly force does not appear to be justified, as the solicitor was simply approaching the home and did not pose an immediate threat.

  • The shooting occurred in a Brandon neighborhood on February 23, 2026.

The players

Reginald McGee

A 38-year-old man who has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property for allegedly shooting a door-to-door salesman.

Charles Gallagher

A Florida attorney who said the use of force in this case does not appear to be justified under the law.

Richard Kolko

A former FBI special agent who discussed the potential dangers of door-to-door sales jobs and the importance of de-escalating confrontations with solicitors.

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What they’re saying

“We're not in a world where, you know, approaching someone's doors should create a basis to fire down on someone and shoot someone and kill someone.”

— Charles Gallagher, Florida Attorney (fox13news.com)

“If you're doing business, it should occur during business hours. People have a right to expect people to not be knocking at their door at night in the dark, trying to sell them something. And you can see where those kinds of conditions might elevate or escalate the situation right off the bat.”

— Richard Kolko, Former FBI Special Agent (fox13news.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Reginald McGee.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for clear guidelines and de-escalation tactics when it comes to interactions between residents and solicitors, in order to prevent unnecessary violence and uphold self-defense laws appropriately.