Brooksville felon pleads guilty after posting gun photos on social media, shooting himself

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Brooksville felon faces up to 15 years in prison after he posted photos of guns on his social media and then shot himself during a livestream, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.

James Hilligardt, 21, shot himself in the leg while livestreaming on social media in January, officials said. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office found him with a sawed-off shotgun.

A second shotgun was later found buried in a yard.

He also shared photos of himself with guns and ammo on his social media accounts, despite not being allowed to possess weapons, officials said.

Hilligardt faces up to 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing will take place at a date that has yet to be determined.

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