Myrtle Beach, October 20, 2025

News Summary

Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old woman, was arrested in Myrtle Beach for brandishing a firearm during a ‘No Kings’ protest against governmental policies. She faces serious charges that could lead to significant prison time. During a bond hearing, Moriarty expressed regret for her actions, calling them impulsive. Her next court appearance is set for December 19. The incident has stirred community discussions on public safety and political advocacy as the protest aimed to address issues with government actions during a federal shutdown.

Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Brandishing a Gun During “No Kings” Protest

A woman was arrested during a “No Kings” event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) has identified the suspect as Mary Moriarty, 59, of Surfside Beach. Moriarty faces charges for pointing and presenting a firearm, following an incident that unfolded just before 2:15 p.m. when officers observed her brandishing a firearm while driving near the demonstration.

Officers took Moriarty into custody without incident. She is charged with two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm. During a bond hearing held on Sunday morning, a judge set Moriarty’s bond at a total of $100,000, which she later posted that same day. During the hearing, she expressed regret over her actions, describing them as a very ignorant move. Moriarty claimed that the weapon was not loaded and characterized her actions as impulsive and ignorant.

In court, Moriarty assured the judge that she is not a flight risk, citing her full-time job and family residing in the area as reasons for her ties to the community. However, the judge voiced concerns for public safety, ordering her not to have any contact with the two victims involved in the incident. Public records reveal that Moriarty is prohibited from possessing a firearm or any deadly weapon. If convicted of both charges, she could face up to 10 years in prison.

Moriarty’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 19 at 1 p.m. in Conway. The “No Kings” protest was part of a nationwide movement against the political direction under President Donald Trump. An estimated 1,000 people participated in the event at Chapin Memorial Park, which aimed to address concerns around government actions during a federal shutdown and perceived authoritarian behavior.

Details of the Incident

The events leading to the arrest occurred during a larger protest aimed at expressing dissent against governmental policies. The “No Kings” protest attracted considerable public attention, highlighting issues of civil rights and political accountability.

Legal Implications

Moriarty’s legal situation is serious, with the charges against her carrying significant potential penalties. The conditions of her bond reflect the grave nature of the incident, underscoring the impact of firearms in public demonstrations.

Community Reactions

The protest and its associated incidents have sparked discourse within the Myrtle Beach community about political advocacy and public safety. Residents and demonstrators alike are processing the implications of such incidents during their campaign for political change.

What Happens Next?

With her next court appearance scheduled, all eyes will remain on Moriarty’s case as it develops, especially within the context of national conversations on gun ownership and responsible advocacy.

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HERE Resources

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Mary Moriarty Arrested at Myrtle Beach Protest
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Visa Revocations Linked to Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Death
Turning Point USA Organizes ‘All American Halftime Show’
Charlie Kirk’s Death Ignites National Conversation on Political Violence
Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Suspension Sparks Controversy
Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late-Night Television
Threats to American Democracy: Examining Free Speech Under Trump

Additional Resources

• WMBF News
• Wikipedia: Gun Control in the United States
• WPDE News
• Google Search: No Kings Protest
• WSOC TV
• Google Scholar: First Amendment Right
• WBTW News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: First Amendment
• WIS TV
• Google News: Mary Moriarty Arrest

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.