Arek Sarkissian

Naples (Fla.) Daily News

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Three Texas men who turned out to support white supremacist Richard Spencer's speech at the University of Florida were identified Friday as suspects in a shooting involving protesters a short distance from campus.

Tyler Tenbrink, 28, William Fears, 30, and Colton Fears, 28, all face attempted homicide charges from a shooting that involved a group of protesters who were sitting at a Gainesville bus stop.

They told Gainesville police detectives a silver Jeep sport utility vehicle pulled up to them and one of the passengers began to praise Adolph Hitler. One of the protesters used a baton to bash the back window of the Jeep and Tenbrink, of Richmond, Texas, pulled out a handgun and fired a round.

William and Colton Fears, both of Pasadena, Texas, told Tenbrink to kill them, according to an Alachua County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office report. No one was injured.

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The shooting occurred about 6 p.m. after Richard Spencer's speech. Alachua deputies found the Jeep on Interstate 75 and arrested the men. A handgun was found inside the vehicle, according to the police report.

The three men were among the first to arrive at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday as protesters began to march. Spencer’s supporters were outnumbered by the throngs of people who came out to voice opposition toward the Alternative right movement.

Alt-right refers to a loosely defined group whose far-right ideology includes racism, populism and white nationalism.

Shortly before leaving an area in front of the Phillips center, William Fears told reporters he was not afraid to start violence if necessary.

“I’m not saying I’ll do it but if it needs to happen, why not?” Fears said. “If it’s necessary.”

Follow Arek Sarkissian on Twitter: @ArekSarkissian

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