Full Breakdown
Arrest at Myrtle Beach "No Kings" Protest Over Gun Incident
10/20/2025, 1:41:43 AM
Incident Overview
On October 18, 2025, Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old resident of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, was arrested during a "No Kings" protest in Myrtle Beach for brandishing a firearm. The protest, part of a nationwide series opposing the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, took place at Chapin Memorial Park around 2 p.m. Officers from the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) reported that Moriarty drove by the demonstration and pointed a gun at two attendees.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Moriarty was charged with two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm. Following her arrest, she was booked into the Myrtle Beach Jail and later released after posting a $100,000 bond set during a Sunday morning hearing. During the hearing, Moriarty expressed regret for her actions, describing them as "an impulsive, very ignorant thing to do" and clarified that the weapon was not loaded. The judge expressed concerns for public safety, prohibiting her from contacting the victims and possessing firearms or other deadly weapons.
Context of the Protest
The "No Kings" protests were organized as a response to perceived issues under the Trump administration, with approximately 2,700 events planned nationwide. In Myrtle Beach, the protest aimed to voice dissent against the current political climate. Witnesses reported that Moriarty's actions did not intimidate participants; one protester, Alex Meranco, noted that the incident only strengthened his resolve to protest.
Official Statements & Responses
Moriarty's bond hearing revealed her perspective on the incident, as she stated, “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on a very ignorant move.” She emphasized her ties to the community, asserting that she is not a flight risk due to her full-time job and family in the area. The MBPD confirmed that no other arrests or citations were made during the protest.
Criticism & Opposition
While the protest aimed to highlight grievances against the Trump administration, Moriarty's actions sparked discussions about safety and the implications of carrying firearms in protest settings. Critics of her behavior expressed concerns about the potential for violence at political demonstrations, emphasizing the need for peaceful discourse.
What's Next
Moriarty's next court appearance is scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Conway, South Carolina. If convicted of the charges, she could face up to 10 years in prison. The incident has raised questions about the intersection of political expression and public safety, particularly in the context of ongoing protests across the country.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on a very ignorant move,” — Mary Moriarty, Defendant
- “It did not stoke fear in my heart nor dampen my resolve to lift up my voice against what I believe is wrong with what this administration is doing.” — Alex Meranco, Protester
