Stand Your Ground Shooter Seth Browning Releases Statement

Seth Browning, 23, the man who shot and killed a Palm Harbor man in self-defense during a roadside confrontation, has released a statement via his attorney about the controversial shooting.

The statement comes after Palm Harbor Patch obtained a nine-page memo from the State Attorney's Office recommending that charges not be filed in connection with the deadly shooting of Brandon Baker, 30. The memo stated that "Seth Browning's killing of Brandon Baker was justifiable use of deadly force." (read about the memo)

After the article was published, Browning's attorney Patrick Leduc emailed the following statement to Palm Harbor Patch on behalf of his client, Seth Browning:

"Mr. Browning and his family are grateful that this sad and very unfortunate incident appears to now be closed and behind him. Mr. Browning wishes to thank the State Attorneys and Sheriff's office for their professionalism. Seth and his family wish to maintain their privacy and get back to a normal life and Seth intends to focus on his military duties going forward."

Leduc also emailed Palm Harbor Patch with some of his opinions regarding the case. He about spoke about possible future litigation in connection with the deadly shooting:

"On an unrelated note... the law concerning this incident specifically precludes any civil action against my client.  I am not sure the family of Mr. Baker is fully aware of that.  Having said that, if my client is frivolously sued by the family of Mr. Baker, you can be sure that we will vigorously defend Mr. Browning, to include seeking sanctions."   

Leduc also explained how Seth Browning did not do anything wrong and was minding his own business when the deadly chain of events began to unfold:

"Mr. Browning was never arrested and he fully cooperated with authorities and the State Attorney. We had nothing to hide, as he never did anything wrong.   The reporting of this case was comical to say the least and presented my client in a terrible light. He wanted nothing to do with these people and was minding his own business. They waived him down, in the early morning hours, as he was going home from work.  

Mr. Baker, being alcohol fueled and high on cocaine, acted completely out of control. The fact that Mr. Browning did not even have time to put his car into park tells you how quickly he was attacked. Punching someone who is in a car is a first degree felony. It is a forcible felony. We have no comment on the issue of threats other than to say that the family and friends of Mr. Baker have acted totally inappropriately throughout this entire process, and they need to respect the decision of the State Attorney, who has acted totally professionally throughout, and are a credit to the community.     

My client wants to be left alone and to get on with his life in peace and quiet.   He is a young man, who is honorably serving his country, and is EXACTLY the type of citizen and American to which our community would be rightly proud.   He has been silent and totally professional during a period of his life where others where besmirching his good name and character.  I am happy that he will be able to get on with the rest of his life, raising his family, and earning a living."

Leduc explained what Seth Browning has had to endure since the shooting:

"There is a whole lot of misinformation out there concerning this case.  It has been tough for my client to remain silent waiting for this day..."

"Mr. Browning did what anyone else would have done similarly situated and the citizens of the State of Florida should thank the State Legislature for their wisdom in passing legislation to protect individuals like Mr. Browning. 

Seth simply wants to return to his private life and military duties and be left alone.  He is an honorable man and combat veteran who has served his country with honor and distinction. The Baker family has attempted to besmirch his name and the time for that is now at an end.  It is time that people trust in the professionalism of the police investigators and the State Attorney who have all the facts."

Previous Coverage-

• Prosecutor: No Charges in Deadly Stand Your Ground Shooting
• Deadly Shooting: Triggerman Returns to Security Guard Job
• Deadly Shooting: Victim Identified
• Detectives: Security Guard was Triggerman in Deadly Shooting
• Memorial Honors Shooting Victim
• Deadly Shooting: Road Rage or Stand Your Ground?
• Benefit Concert for Brandon Baker Sunday