June 18, 2025

Three Arrested During ‘No Kings’ Protest in Beaufort

News Summary

Three individuals were arrested during the ‘No Kings’ protests in Beaufort, South Carolina, due to violations of state laws concerning mask-wearing. Approximately 1,500 protesters gathered to criticize the Trump administration’s policies, marking the largest demonstration in the city’s history. Demonstrators expressed concerns over issues like immigration reform and systemic racism, while law enforcement maintained a significant presence to ensure safety. The protests were largely peaceful despite some arrests and included attendees from nearby areas, reflecting a strong community engagement against federal policies.

Beaufort, South Carolina: Three Arrested During ‘No Kings’ Protest

Three individuals were arrested during the “No Kings” protests held on June 16, 2025, in Beaufort, South Carolina. The arrests were made due to violations of state laws prohibiting the wearing of masks that conceal identities in public spaces, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. This event was part of a larger nationwide movement aimed at protesting the policies of President Donald Trump.

Organizers estimated that approximately 1,500 people gathered for the protest in Beaufort, making it the largest demonstration in the city’s history. The protests were organized in response to perceived anti-democratic actions by the Trump administration. The arrests included Donald Edwards and Gael Merida, who were apprehended at the Hilton Head event, and Brian Crane, who was arrested in Bluffton.

In addition to the Beaufort gathering, around 1,000 participants gathered earlier at an event on Hilton Head Island. Many of those protesters, after their event concluded, joined the demonstration in Beaufort, indicating a strong turnout from surrounding areas. The demonstrations were met with a significant law enforcement presence, ensuring public safety as protesters marched from City Hall to the Waterfront Park.

Attendees of the protests spanned various age groups, reflecting a growing sense of community engagement against the Trump administration. Protesters articulated their frustrations on several key issues, including immigration reform and systemic racism. Signs displayed by demonstrators featured messages such as “Rejecting kings since 1776” and “No dictators,” highlighting their opposition to the current administration.

Law enforcement officials clarified that under South Carolina law, masks worn for medical reasons, such as surgical or N95 masks, are permissible during protests. However, videos circulating online showed some arrests, leading to questions regarding the interpretation of wearing medical masks during the events. The protests coincided with a local Juneteenth festival in Bluffton, further emphasizing community solidarity amid the political unrest.

Prior protests, including the 50501 movement, have also seen significant participation in Beaufort County, which has traditionally leaned Republican. Despite the underlying tensions, the protests remained largely peaceful throughout the day. Beaufort’s City Manager noted the city’s respect for the right to peaceful assembly and reiterated efforts to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

In addition to the anti-Trump sentiment prevalent among demonstrators, some counter-protesters in support of the President also made their presence felt at the events. Nonetheless, the dominant sentiment among the protesters was a call for better treatment of marginalized communities and criticism of the Trump administration’s policies.

The “No Kings” protests stand as a significant moment within the broader context of civil dissent and community engagement against federal policies, highlighting issues that resonate deeply with many citizens. As the dialogue continues, the implications of such demonstrations could shape the political landscape in Beaufort and beyond as community members advocate for change.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.

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