Incident Involving Gunfire Over Trump Banner in North Carolina
Recent footage emerged showing a confrontation in which a man tore down a pro-Trump banner and allegedly shot at a business owner in North Carolina. The Swain County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving a call about a gunshot at 5:52 PM on September 6, 2025.
Witnesses described the driver’s actions as concerning. Just a few days after the incident, authorities encountered video footage appearing to document the altercation. The video captures a Jeep Grand Cherokee stopping in the road. The driver exits, approaches the large “Trump 2024” banner, and, without hesitation, pulls it down and throws it to the ground before returning to his vehicle.
Mark Thomas, who owns the Paddle-in Rafting Company where the banner was displayed, expressed his shock at the events. “He walked up to the sign, and I thought, ‘I can’t believe this,'” Thomas recounted, noting that the banner belonged to his mother and had been on display for an extended period.
In response to the vandalism, Thomas stepped outside and fired warning shots into the air. “I wanted him to know someone was watching, and I was not pleased,” he explained. The footage reportedly shows the suspect opening the sunroof of his SUV, aiming, and allegedly firing his weapon in Thomas’ direction.
According to Thomas, as the suspect aimed his gun, he released two shots toward him before driving away. Thomas claimed one bullet struck something solid nearby. Remarkably, after a few minutes, the suspect returned, which made Thomas “prepared to confront” him again. He fired several more shots before the individual fled the scene.
Authorities currently believe the suspect may have intended harm and described him as “an ignorant leftist.” Regarding the status of the investigation, Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland stated that identifying the suspect remains a priority and they are collaborating with agencies from other states. Details about the incident cannot be disclosed at this time, as it might affect the investigation.
Law enforcement officials are calling on anyone with information to reach out to the Swain County Sheriff’s Office. “There’s been so much political tension lately, and it’s disheartening to see it manifest in violence,” remarked Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). He urged for more open dialogues amidst differing views and expressed the need to reduce escalating tensions.
Mark Thomas added his sentiments about the current state of society, voicing a desire for community cooperation to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.
