In a shocking confrontation in North Carolina, a Georgia man was arrested after allegedly tearing down a pro-Trump banner and exchanging gunfire with a business owner in Nantahala Gorge.
According to the Daily Caller, on September 6, 2025, Benjamin Michael Campbell of Atlanta, Georgia, was involved in a violent dispute outside the Paddle Inn Rafting Company, leading to his arrest on charges including assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident unfolded along Highway 19 West, outside the Paddle Inn Rafting Company, a local business in the scenic Nantahala Gorge area. According to authorities, the conflict began when Campbell reportedly crossed the road and ripped down a banner supporting President Donald Trump. The banner belonged to the mother of the business owner, Mark Thomas, an 87-year-old woman whose property was targeted in the act.
Following the removal of the banner, a heated confrontation erupted between Campbell and Thomas at the rafting company location. During this clash, gunfire was exchanged between the two men, escalating the situation to a dangerous level. Thomas later spoke about his actions during the incident, explaining his perspective on the events that unfolded that day.
“I don’t want to kill anybody,” Thomas said, reflecting on his mindset during the confrontation. “My life has got to be in threat,” he continued, emphasizing the perceived danger he faced. “I fired two shots in the air,” Thomas added, noting his initial response before the other party returned fire from the road.
Swain County deputies were alerted to the situation around 5:52 p.m. on September 6, 2025, after receiving reports of shots being fired at the business. By the time law enforcement arrived, the suspect’s vehicle had already fled the scene, leaving investigators to piece together the events. No injuries were reported in the initial dispatch, and details about any potential damage caused by the gunfire remain undisclosed by authorities.
Investigators obtained CCTV footage from the area, which provided crucial insight into the moments leading up to the violent exchange. The video reportedly shows a man parking his vehicle, crossing the road, and removing the political banner before the situation turned violent. Using this evidence, along with information about a suspect vehicle, authorities were able to identify Campbell as the primary suspect in the case.
Following the identification, Swain County detectives traveled to Cobb County, Georgia, to apprehend the individual believed to be responsible for the incident. On September 30, 2025, Campbell was taken into custody without incident in Georgia, marking a significant step in the investigation. He was subsequently extradited to Swain County, North Carolina, on October 7, 2025, to face charges related to the confrontation.
Campbell is now being held in Swain County on a $70,000 bond as he awaits further legal proceedings. He faces multiple serious charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, a felony offense. Additional charges include discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear and willful damage to personal property.
At this time, Campbell’s initial court date has not been made public by the Swain County Sheriff’s Office. Information regarding his legal representation also remains unavailable as the case continues to develop. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
The incident has raised questions about safety in the Nantahala Gorge area, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists. The exchange of gunfire, though resulting in no reported injuries, highlights the potential dangers of escalating disputes in public spaces. Local law enforcement continues to monitor the situation and ensure the community remains informed of any updates.
The Swain County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized its commitment to a thorough investigation of the events that transpired on September 6. They are working to gather all necessary evidence to build a comprehensive case against the suspect currently in custody. Community members are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could be related to this incident.
The involvement of a political banner in this violent encounter underscores the heightened tensions that can arise from differing viewpoints. While the specific motivations behind Campbell’s actions remain unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict in polarized times.
As the legal process moves forward, more details may emerge about the circumstances that led to this confrontation in North Carolina.