Palm Beach Sheriff candidate calls opponent a ‘f***ing ***hole’ during virtual forum

Michael Gauger used colorful language at an online Palm Beach County Sheriff candidates forum, calling his Republican Primary opponent a “f***ing ***hole” during closing remarks.

Gauger, an ex-Chief Deputy with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, said he thought he was muted. He later apologized to the event’s moderator and organizers.

“That’s not who I am,” he said.

Florida Politics first reported the gaffe. TMZ and others followed.

The outburst, which happened during a virtual forum, was aimed at retired Bartow Police Cpt. Lauro Diaz. Both hope to be the GOP nominee who unseats Democratic Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Gauger’s former boss.

– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics