COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Bureau of Protective Services has arrested an Irmo man about 7:15 p.m. for disorderly conduct.
Nicholas Thompson, 25, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after confronting a crowd of anti-Confederate flag protesters.
BPS reported that about 30 protesters, who oppose the Confederate Flag, were on Statehouse grounds when a group of about 15 vehicles with pro-flag supporters pulled up on Gervais Street in front of the State House and stopped in the middle of the street.
The group of vehicles were headed toward Sumter Street. About eight to 10 occupants exited their vehicles and began to engage in an altercation with the crowd.
BPS and additional law enforcement were able to contain the situation. The S.C, Highway Patrol, the University of South Carolina police and the Columbia Police Department responded to the scene as well. Protesters remained on the State House grounds, and the law enforcement presence was increased to monitor the situation.
