A tense scene at a Myrtle Beach protest, a Trump supporter brandishing a handgun in a crowd, police moving in to make an arrest, photojournalism style, dynamic and chaotic.
A tense scene at a Myrtle Beach protest, a Trump supporter brandishing a handgun in a crowd, police moving in to make an arrest, photojournalism style, dynamic and chaotic.

Myrtle Beach "No Kings" Protest Incident: Trump Supporter Arrested After Brandishing Firearm

Incident Overview

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, a tense confrontation unfolded during a "No Kings" rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, when a Trump supporter allegedly brandished a firearm at peaceful protesters from her vehicle. The incident resulted in the arrest of Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old resident of Surfside Beach.

The Arrest and Charges

According to police reports, Moriarty drove by the demonstration and displayed a gun, leading to her immediate arrest. She was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm, a serious offense that carries significant legal consequences under South Carolina law.

Context of the "No Kings" Protests

The Myrtle Beach demonstration was part of a nationwide series of "No Kings" protests held on October 18, 2025. These rallies were organized to oppose perceived authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump's administration. In South Carolina alone, events were planned in multiple cities including Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston.

Broader Pattern of Political Tensions

This incident reflects a concerning pattern of confrontations at political events across the country. Similar incidents have occurred, such as an October 2024 case in Neptune Beach, Florida, where an 18-year-old Trump supporter was arrested for allegedly threatening two women with a machete at an early voting site.

Legal and Safety Implications

The arrest highlights the serious legal consequences individuals face when bringing weapons to political demonstrations. South Carolina's laws regarding the brandishing of firearms are particularly strict, and such actions can result in felony charges depending on the circumstances.

Community Response

Local authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful and respectful discourse during political gatherings, regardless of differing viewpoints. The incident served as a reminder of the need for de-escalation and proper conduct at public demonstrations.

Aftermath

Following the arrest, the protest continued without further incident, with organizers and participants maintaining their focus on the peaceful expression of their political views. The case against Moriarty proceeded through the local judicial system, drawing attention to the intersection of political expression and public safety concerns.

The prompt for this was: Myrtle Beach, SC No Kings Protest. Trump supporter brandishes gun from vehicle at peaceful protestors and is arrested.

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