Myrtle Beach, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old Surfside Beach resident, was arrested for brandishing a firearm during a ‘No Kings’ protest in Myrtle Beach. The incident, which occurred at Chapin Park, involved Moriarty waving a gun while she passed the protest, leading to her being charged with two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm. If convicted, she could face up to ten years in prison. Her bond was set at $100,000, and she has been prohibited from possessing firearms while awaiting her next court appearance.
Myrtle Beach – Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old resident of Surfside Beach, was arrested on October 18, 2025, for brandishing a firearm during a “No Kings” protest at Chapin Park in Myrtle Beach. The incident occurred around 2:09 p.m. when police reported that Moriarty waved a gun while passing the protest. She has been charged with two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm, with each count carrying a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, potentially leading to a total of ten years if convicted.
During her bond hearing on October 19, Moriarty expressed remorse for her actions, describing them as “impulsive” and “ignorant” and revealed that she regretted her behavior after reflecting on it for 18 hours. The protest, which drew hundreds of attendees, was organized to oppose President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly federal agency cuts and immigration raids. Similar protests took place across South Carolina, with thousands participating statewide.
Myrtle Beach police arrested Moriarty without incident, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police became aware of the situation through a report from an officer who was nearby at the time. Following her arrest, she was booked at the Myrtle Beach jail. A judge subsequently set her bond at $100,000, which Moriarty posted shortly after the hearing. The bond consisted of $50,000 for each of the two charges against her.
As part of the conditions of her bond, Moriarty is prohibited from possessing a firearm or any other deadly weapon and must avoid any contact with the two victims involved in the incident. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 19 at 1 p.m. in Conway. Witness accounts and video footage were captured during the incident, further documenting the events leading to her arrest.
Event Overview
The “No Kings” protest was part of a broader movement against certain policies enacted during Trump’s presidency, revealing strong sentiments among citizens about social and economic issues. These protests, while peaceful overall, have drawn significant attention due to the involvement of firearms in this particular case.
Legal Implications
If convicted, Moriarty could face substantial time in prison, highlighting the serious legal consequences that can arise from incidents involving firearms and public demonstrations. The charges against her underscore the law’s strict stance on weapon use during protests.
Community Response
The community’s response remains to be seen, as many citizens express concern over the use of firearms in protests. The arrest has prompted discussions about safety and the appropriate conduct of individuals during public assemblies.
Arrest Details
- Date of Arrest: October 18, 2025
- Charges: Two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm
- Bond Amount: $100,000
- Next Court Appearance: December 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Conway
FAQ
- Who was arrested at the Myrtle Beach protest?
- Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old resident of Surfside Beach, was arrested.
- What were the charges against Mary Moriarty?
- Moriarty was charged with two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm.
- What is the maximum penalty for Moriarty’s charges?
- Each charge could result in up to five years in prison, totaling a potential ten years if convicted.
- What was the protest about?
- The protest was organized against President Donald Trump’s policies, including federal agency cuts and immigration raids.
- When is Moriarty’s next court appearance?
- Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 19 at 1 p.m. in Conway.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrestee | Mary Moriarty, 59 |
| Charges | Two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm |
| Potential Penalty | Up to 10 years in prison |
| Date of Protest | October 18, 2025 |
| Location | Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Next Court Appearance | December 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outrage Over Teacher’s Mocking Actions During Protest
Nationwide Protests Mobilize Millions Against Trump Policies
Arrest Made During Myrtle Beach ‘No Kings’ Protest
Tense Incident at Myrtle Beach ‘No Kings’ Protest
Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Gun Threat at Protest
Historic ‘No Kings’ Protests Mobilize Millions Against Trump
Mary Moriarty Arrested at Myrtle Beach Protest
Trump Administration Cancels Visas Over Comments on Death
Residents Oppose Proposed Psychiatric Hospital in Murrells Inlet
Visa Revocations Linked to Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WPDE
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach protests
- WIS TV
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach protest laws
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Myrtle Beach gun 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.
