Florida Firefighters Charged After Rookie Allegedly Waterboarded, Whipped

Four Florida firefighters now face criminal charges. They are accused of waterboarding and whipping a 19-year-old rookie colleague. The alleged hazing incident happened at a fire station in the city of Clearwater. Authorities say it was a punishment because the rookie made a TikTok video that annoyed other crew members. Waterboarding is an interrogation technique that simulates drowning. It is widely considered a form of torture. The four men charged are aged between 21 and 35. They have been suspended without pay. Clearwater's fire chief has also fired nearly a dozen other employees connected to the wider investigation. The rookie firefighter reported the incident. He required medical treatment for his injuries. The four firefighters face charges of battery and false imprisonment. They have pleaded not guilty. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and the fire service.