Florida Governor Candidate Arrested for Assaulting Elderly Relatives

Authorities say the candidate threatened police and family members with violence

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:16am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting faint red and blue police lights, conceptually representing the violent confrontation between the candidate and law enforcement.A violent outburst by a Florida gubernatorial candidate exposes troubling questions about their fitness for public office.Palm Coast Today

A candidate in the upcoming Florida governor's race was arrested at his Palm Coast home after allegedly assaulting two elderly family members and threatening to kill them. Flagler County deputies say the candidate, Czajkowski, hit one relative with a cane, threw a cell phone at another, and brandished a gun while also threatening law enforcement.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about the candidate's fitness for public office and their ability to handle the responsibilities of governing, especially given the allegations of violence against vulnerable family members and threats made to law enforcement.

The details

According to police reports, Czajkowski was taken into custody at his Palm Coast residence after a disturbance involving two of his elderly relatives. Authorities say the candidate struck one family member with a cane and threw a cell phone at another. Czajkowski also allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened to kill the relatives as well as any responding officers.

  • The incident occurred on April 12, 2026 at Czajkowski's home in Palm Coast, Florida.

The players

Czajkowski

A candidate in the upcoming Florida governor's race who was arrested for allegedly assaulting two elderly family members and threatening police.

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What they’re saying

“We take all threats of violence extremely seriously, especially when they involve vulnerable individuals or law enforcement.”

— Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff

The takeaway

This incident has raised serious questions about the candidate's fitness for public office and their ability to handle the responsibilities of governing, especially given the allegations of violence against vulnerable family members and threats made to law enforcement.