In a deeply unsettling incident on Tuesday, South Carolina State Representative JA Moore (D-Charleston) found himself at the center of a disturbing confrontation in North Charleston. The incident, which occurred around 1 p.m. near E. Montague Avenue and Ohear Avenue, involved a parking dispute that quickly escalated when the other driver allegedly brandished a gun and threatened Moore.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, Rep. Moore was attempting to park his car to pick up his daughter from her first day of school when another vehicle abruptly took the spot. Moore reportedly confronted the driver, who then “went to his vehicle, brandished a handgun, and pointed it at [Moore]” before fleeing to a nearby bar.
Police later questioned the suspect, described as a 66-year-old white male, who initially denied the altercation. However, he later admitted to engaging in a verbal argument but denied pointing a gun.
North Charleston just had another shooting incident last week where officers were dispatched to the 7700 block of Warsaw Road at approximately 9:30 p.m. in response to a reported shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a deceased man, the apparent victim of a gunshot wound.
In a statement following the incident, Moore expressed his profound concern for his family’s safety and the safety of the community. “My thoughts immediately went to my daughter and how different this day could have been,” he said. “I was there to pick her up from her first day of school — a day that should have been filled with excitement and pride, not fear. The safety of our children and our community is of utmost importance.”
Moore also thanked the North Charleston Police Department for their quick response, emphasizing the importance of transparency throughout the ongoing investigation. “First and foremost, I want to thank the officers who responded to this terrifying incident. Their quick action is appreciated, and it’s a reminder of the difficult and dangerous situations they face every day in keeping our community safe,” Moore said.
SC State Representative JA Moore. (Photo SCLBC)
This incident comes at a time when South Carolina is grappling with significant gun violence issues. The state is currently ranked #8 in the nation for gun violence, a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing firearm-related incidents. South Carolina’s open carry law, which allows individuals to openly carry firearms in public spaces, has sparked heated debates about its role in the rising number of violent encounters.
Rep. Moore, who represents District 15 in the South Carolina House, has been a vocal advocate for stricter gun control measures. His advocacy is deeply personal—his sister was one of the nine Black parishioners tragically killed in the 2015 shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston by a white supremacist.
As South Carolina continues to struggle with the implications of its gun laws, incidents like the one involving Rep. Moore serve as stark reminders of the pressing need for comprehensive discussions on gun safety and regulation. Crime and Cask News will continue to monitor this developing story and the broader issues of gun violence in South Carolina.