Myrtle Beach, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old woman from Surfside Beach, was arrested during a protest in Myrtle Beach for brandishing a firearm. The protest was against President Trump’s policies, which drew hundreds of participants. Moriarty faces serious charges for pointing a firearm at individuals. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. After a bond hearing, she was released with a bond set at $100,000 and is prohibited from possessing firearms pending her next court date.
Myrtle Beach – Mary Moriarty, a 59-year-old woman from Surfside Beach, was arrested on October 18, 2025, after brandishing a firearm during a protest. Moriarty faces two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm, a serious allegation stemming from an incident that occurred near Chapin Park in Myrtle Beach. The protest was aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s policies, specifically focusing on issues such as cuts to federal agencies and immigration raids.
The protest drew hundreds of participants across the city, but Moriarty’s actions were particularly alarming. Police were monitoring the situation when they observed her driving close to the demonstration around 2:09 p.m., where she was reportedly brandishing a firearm.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of Moriarty’s actions. Upon her apprehension, she admitted to the police that she had pointed the firearm at two individuals participating in the protest. Law enforcement authorities arrested her without any incident.
During a bond hearing on October 19, Moriarty expressed regret for her behavior, describing it as “impulsive” and “ignorant.” She mentioned that she had spent 18 hours reflecting on her actions before appearing in court. Following the hearing, a judge set her bond at $100,000, which was later posted by Moriarty on the same day. The bond amount included $50,000 for each of the two charges she is facing.
As a condition of her bond, Moriarty is prohibited from possessing any firearms or deadly weapons. Additionally, she must avoid any contact with the two victims involved in the incident. If convicted, she could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison, receiving up to five years for each of the charges.
Moriarty’s next court date is scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Conway, South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach Police Department spokesperson Randolph Angotti confirmed the charges against her. The event involving Moriarty was part of a broader nationwide protest movement, with similar demonstrations occurring across the United States on that day.
Mary Moriarty was booked at the Myrtle Beach jail prior to her release on bond following the hearing.
Incident Overview
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Location: Near Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach
- Charges: Two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm
- Bond Amount: $100,000 ($50,000 for each charge)
- Next Court Appearance: December 19, 2025, Conway, SC
Protest Context
- Protest Size: Hundreds of participants
- Key Issues: Opposition to President Trump’s cuts to federal agencies and immigration raids
Potential Penalties
- Maximum Sentence: Up to 10 years in prison (5 years per charge)
FAQ Section
What charges was Mary Moriarty facing?
Mary Moriarty was charged with two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred near Chapin Park in Myrtle Beach during a protest.
When is Mary Moriarty’s next court appearance?
Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Conway, SC.
Key Features Overview Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Mary Moriarty |
| Age | 59 |
| Location of Incident | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Charges | Two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 10 years in prison |
| Next Court Date | December 19, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Woman Arrested for Brandishing Gun at Protest
No Kings Day of Peaceful Action Protests Planned Across Grand Strand and Pee Dee
Myrtle Beach Read Fest Celebrates Young Readers
Myrtle Beach and Florence Host ‘No Kings Day’ Protests Against Trump Administration Policies
Myrtle Beach Hosts Major ‘No Kings’ Rally Against Authoritarianism
North Myrtle Beach Chiefs Secure Playoff Victory Against Chapin Eagles
Myrtle Beach Hosts Rally Against Trump Administration Policies
Columbia Rallies Against ‘Project 2025’
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Woman Admits Pulling Out Gun at Protest
- WISTV: Woman Arrested After Brandishing Gun
- WBTW: Woman Charged with Brandishing Firearm
- CNN: No Kings Protests Live Updates
- Myrtle Beach Online: Incident Report
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Google Search: Gun Control Protests
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Protests in Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
