Former Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn was accused of crashing his car into a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser, according to a witness, Alethea Shapiro. The incident occurred on Interstate 75, with Shapiro claiming that Cawthorn was an aggressive driver who later rolled out of his wheelchair-equipped vehicle to confront the state trooper whose car he had hit. Video footage shared by Shapiro shows Cawthorn speaking with the officer after the accident, and she recounted offering the officer assistance and water. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the incident, stating that the trooper sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, while Cawthorn was cited for violating Florida’s Move Over Law.
Cawthorn has recently moved to a $1.1 million home in Cape Coral, Florida, after losing the North Carolina GOP House primary following a series of controversies during his brief stint in Congress. Despite being seen as a rising star in the Republican Party, Cawthorn faced allegations of insider trading, improper payments, and an incident where he attempted to bring a handgun through a North Carolina airport. His term was marked by scandal and missteps, including making false claims of being invited to orgies on Capitol Hill. Cawthorn was also charged twice for driving with a revoked license. After losing the primary to Rep. Chuck Edwards, Cawthorn’s attorney refused to confirm or deny if he was the driver involved in the Florida crash.
The witness, Shapiro, described the incident as “surreal” and “upsetting,” recounting the terrifying experience of encountering an erratic and aggressive driver before witnessing the crash. Cawthorn’s reputation has been tarnished by a string of controversies, and the recent crash has added to his legal troubles. The Florida Highway Patrol’s statement confirmed the details of the crash, with the trooper sustaining minor injuries during the collision. Cawthorn’s legal representation declined to confirm or deny his involvement in the accident, offering prayers for the injured officer instead.
Cawthorn’s tumultuous time in office came to an end after losing the GOP primary and subsequently moving to Florida. His behavior and actions during his brief term as a Congressman have raised concerns and allegations of misconduct and irresponsibility. The witness’s account of the crash provides a firsthand view of Cawthorn’s aggressive driving behavior, which culminated in the collision with a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser. The incident highlights Cawthorn’s disregard for safety and proper driving protocols, adding to the controversies that have plagued his political career.
The aftermath of the crash has left Cawthorn facing legal consequences and ongoing scrutiny over his actions. Despite his attorney’s refusal to comment on the specifics of the crash, Cawthorn’s reputation continues to suffer from the fallout of the incident. The witness’s detailed account and video evidence shed light on the events leading up to the crash, painting a picture of Cawthorn’s reckless behavior behind the wheel. His move to Florida and involvement in the crash further underscore the challenges and controversies that have marked his political career, raising questions about his fitness for public office and his ability to act responsibly.
