A Georgia man has been arrested and extradited to North Carolina after allegedly tearing down a “Trump 2024” banner and firing multiple gunshots at the homeowner, narrowly missing.
According to the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, Benjamin Michael Campbell, 37, was taken into custody on September 30 in Georgia and transferred to North Carolina on October 7. He faces multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear and willful and wanton injury to personal property.
Incident Sparked by Trump Banner
The confrontation occurred in the Nantahala Gorge area of western North Carolina. Homeowner Mark Thomas, 62, said Campbell was speeding down the highway when he suddenly stopped in front of Thomas’s home after spotting a “Trump 2024” banner mounted on an old road sign in his yard.
“He was driving along, saw the sign, slammed on his brakes — you know, had a political trigger moment — and he just had to tear the sign down,” Thomas told the Daily Mail.
Surveillance and cellphone video captured Campbell ripping down the banner, and then — as he sped off — firing multiple shots from the sunroof of his vehicle, aiming in Thomas’s direction. The bullets missed Thomas by just a few feet.
Law enforcement responded shortly after the incident, but Campbell had already fled the scene. Investigators later identified him through video evidence that Thomas uploaded to YouTube, helping authorities track him down in Georgia.
“Somebody Could Have Died Here”
Thomas, who describes himself as a staunch Trump supporter and gun owner, told reporters that he was stunned by the aggression but prepared to defend himself.
“I have weapons for my protection and my enjoyment, and I keep them handy. You know, what good are they if you can’t get to them when you need them?” he said. “So I reached over and grabbed my rifle.”
While no one was hurt, Thomas said the situation could have easily turned fatal, drawing a chilling comparison to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which took place just four days later, on September 10.
“No one died here in my yard, but flip the coin, snap your fingers — somebody could have died here,” Thomas said. “And it’s very similar to the Charlie Kirk incident.”
“The same type of people are the ones behind both shootings,” he added. “It’s becoming much more common.”
Political Violence on the Rise?
The incident is the latest in an alarming trend of politically motivated violence targeting individuals on the right. The killing of Charlie Kirk — which sent shockwaves throughout the world — has heightened concerns about escalating hostilities.
While authorities have not disclosed Campbell’s motives or political affiliation, the nature of the alleged attack has intensified debate over free speech, political polarization, and public safety.
It is not yet known whether he has obtained legal counsel or how he intends to plead.
Community Response
Locals in Swain County and nearby areas have expressed shock over the incident.
Swain County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with additional information about Campbell’s movements before or after the shooting to contact investigators.
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