Governorship Candidate in South Carolina Captured on Arrest Video, Self-Proclaiming as Superman
In a shocking turn of events, Mullins McLeod, a Democrat running for South Carolina governor, found himself in hot water following his May 14 arrest in Charleston. The incident, which has since been widely covered and circulated on social media, has put McLeod's campaign in serious jeopardy.
The dash cam footage released shows McLeod behaving erratically, rambling, screaming, using slurs, and making threats towards political opponents. This unacceptable conduct has generated significant backlash from party officials and other candidates, who view it as unsuitable for a gubernatorial candidate.
The South Carolina Democratic Party has publicly called for McLeod to withdraw from the 2026 gubernatorial race, as he is the only Democrat in the race so far. The party chair has stated that McLeod should focus on his mental and emotional well-being instead of a campaign for governor.
McLeod's symptoms during the arrest were noted as typical of an individual under the influence of a stimulant narcotic. However, his attorney, Shaun Kent, has stated that drugs or alcohol were not involved in the incident, claiming it stemmed from a mental health episode and exhaustion. According to Kent, McLeod had not slept in almost six days before the arrest.
During the arrest, McLeod made incoherent comments about political figures such as Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and his "brothers in Compton." He also referred to himself as Superman and God. McLeod continued to act erratically during the journey to the jail and during intake, including allegedly kicking another prisoner.
McLeod was charged with public disorderly conduct, and the charges are still pending. He has claimed the arrest was "unlawful" and that he was exercising his "God-given, constitutional right to be in a public place."
In a Tuesday Instagram video, McLeod didn't address the arrest but spoke about corruption in politics and the "will of the people" not being served. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact his campaign and whether he will choose to address the incident publicly.
References: 1. The State 2. Charleston Post and Courier
