Myrtle Beach, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old from Surfside Beach, was arrested for brandishing a handgun during the ‘No Kings’ protest in Myrtle Beach. The event, part of nationwide demonstrations against government shutdowns and perceived authoritarianism, saw around 1,000 participants. Protests occurred in over 2,700 cities, with demonstrators advocating for various social issues, including healthcare and accountability from elected officials.
Myrtle Beach police arrested Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old woman from Surfside Beach, after she allegedly brandished a handgun while driving near a ‘No Kings’ demonstration at Chapin Park. Moriarty is charged with pointing and presenting a firearm. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025, just after 2 p.m.
Approximately 1,000 people participated in the ‘No Kings’ event in Myrtle Beach, which was one of several protests taking place across the nation. The Myrtle Beach protest was part of a broader series of mass mobilizations occurring against the backdrop of a government shutdown, which had lasted for 18 days at that point. The protests were organized to highlight concerns about perceived authoritarianism under President Trump and his administration’s policies.
Demonstrators gathered in over 2,700 cities and towns across the United States, with an estimated participation of nearly 7 million people. Most of these protests were described as largely peaceful, with many major cities reporting no significant incidents or arrests. Events were also held in Conway, Florence, and other locations throughout the Carolinas.
Republicans criticized the protests, labeling demonstrators as “communists” and “Marxists,” claiming they were part of the reason for the ongoing government shutdown. High-profile figures, like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, commented publicly about the protests, with Johnson alleging that Democrats were catering to extreme leftist views.
In Birmingham, Alabama, over 1,500 people gathered for a similar event, reflecting a historic connection to the Civil Rights Movement. Responses from protesters included a diverse array of motivations, from healthcare concerns to anti-authoritarian sentiments. Various state and local leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, attended and supported the rallies, calling them essential for the defense of democracy.
The protests were marked not only by political expressions but also by the presence of unconventional costumes, making the demonstrations festive in nature. Reports indicate a mixed atmosphere at different protests; some remained completely peaceful, while isolated incidents of conflict arose in certain areas. Federal government workers participated in the protests, voicing concerns over their jobs and the impact of the government shutdown on federal services.
The protests sparked discussions on social media, further fanning the flames of a politically divided nation. Many organizers included traditional activist groups like the ACLU and the Human Rights Campaign, while newer groups were also involved, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the movements. The ‘No Kings’ protests have been characterized by a demand for accountability from elected officials and a call for a reevaluation of American democratic principles.
FAQ
What incident occurred involving Mary Moriarty during the ‘No Kings’ demonstration?
Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old woman from Surfside Beach, was arrested for allegedly brandishing a handgun while driving near a ‘No Kings’ demonstration at Chapin Park.
How many people participated in the ‘No Kings’ event in Myrtle Beach?
Approximately 1,000 people participated in the ‘No Kings’ event in Myrtle Beach.
What was the national context surrounding the protests?
The protests were part of a broader series of mass mobilizations occurring against the backdrop of a government shutdown that lasted for 18 days.
How many cities and towns were involved in the nationwide protests?
Demonstrators gathered in over 2,700 cities and towns across the United States.
What were some concerns raised by demonstrators during the protests?
Demonstrators expressed concerns about perceived authoritarianism under President Trump and the impact of the government shutdown on federal services.
Key Features of the Protests
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | No Kings Demonstration |
| Location | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Attendees | Approximately 1,000 |
| Nationwide Participation | Nearly 7 million across 2,700 cities |
| Major Themes | Anti-authoritarian sentiments, healthcare concerns, demand for accountability |
| Overall Atmosphere | Largely peaceful with some mixed incidents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Threats to American Democracy: Examining Free Speech Under Trump
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Additional Resources
- CNN: No Kings Protests Coverage
- Myrtle Beach Online: No Kings Protest Incident
- Fox News: Anti-Trump No Kings Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: US Protests
- Island Packet: No Kings Protest Updates
- Google News: No Kings Protests
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
