Arrest Made During Myrtle Beach ‘No Kings’ Protest

Myrtle Beach, October 20, 2025

News Summary

During the ‘No Kings’ protest in Myrtle Beach, a 59-year-old woman named Mary Moriarty was arrested for allegedly brandishing a firearm. The incident occurred around 2:09 p.m. as the protest, which drew around 1,000 participants, aimed to address concerns over government authority. Although Moriarty claimed the weapon was not loaded, she faces charges for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person. Following her bond hearing, she expressed regret for her actions. The protest, part of a larger movement, continues to spark discussions about public safety and free speech.

Myrtle Beach witnessed a significant incident during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday when a 59-year-old woman, Mary Moriarty from Surfside Beach, was arrested for allegedly brandishing a firearm. The arrest took place at approximately 2:09 p.m. after officers noticed Moriarty displaying the firearm from her vehicle.

Myrtle Beach Police apprehended Moriarty without any further disturbances at the protest, which attracted around 1,000 participants as part of a broader movement consisting of approximately 2,700 events scheduled nationwide. Moriarty is currently facing two charges of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, according to available arrest records.

A bond hearing for Moriarty was held on Sunday morning following her arrest. During this hearing, she expressed regret for her actions, labeling them as “an impulsive, very ignorant thing to do.” Moriarty indicated that the firearm she displayed was not loaded and asserted she is not a flight risk, as she has a steady job and family ties in the area.

While the presiding judge acknowledged Moriarty’s statements, concern for public safety led to an order preventing her from having any contact with the two victims involved during the incident. Public court records later confirmed that Moriarty was able to post bail later that same Sunday.

The “No Kings” protest took place amid ongoing national discussions surrounding the government shutdown and issues related to Congress and executive power. The protests, against the current administration, were inspired by concerns of a drift towards authoritarianism, according to organizers. The Myrtle Beach event marked the second wave of the nationwide protests, which have drawn criticism from some Republican leaders who characterized the demonstrators as “communists” and “Marxists,” linking them to the ongoing government shutdown.

Despite the arrest of Moriarty, officers reported no further arrests or citations related to the protest itself. Witness Alex Meranco, also 59, attended the event and recorded the aftermath of the situation but did not see the firearm being drawn.

As events unfold following the protests and the incident involving Moriarty, the discussions surrounding the effectiveness and safety of such demonstrations continue, spotlighting the balancing act between free expression and public safety.

Key Details of the Incident

• Incident Type: Brandishing of a firearm
• Arrest Date: Saturday
• Arrested Individual: Mary Moriarty, 59, from Surfside Beach
• Charges: Two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person
• Protest Attendance: Approximately 1,000 people
• Nationwide Protest Events: About 2,700 planned events
• Bond Hearing Date: Sunday morning following the arrest
• Bail Status: Post bail later that day

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News
• WBTW News
• Myrtle Beach Online
• WPDE News
• WISTV News
• Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
• Google Search: No Kings protests
• Google Scholar: Gun laws in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Demonstration (protest)
• Google News: Myrtle Beach protest

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.