South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod faces calls to withdraw from the race after a May 2025 arrest video resurfaced showing him in an agitated state where he identified as Superman and threatened a political opponent. The incident, which occurred when police found him wandering in underwear while yelling incoherently, has sparked concerns about his mental fitness and led to pending disorderly conduct charges.
Democratic candidate Mullins McLeod, a 53-year-old lawyer, was arrested on May 14, 2025, in Charleston after officers responded to reports of a man screaming and gesturing frantically in public while clad only in underwear and shoes. Police described his behavior as symptomatic of potential stimulant narcotic influence in their report, noting bloodshot eyes, profuse sweating, and dilated pupils. Bodycam footage published by local outlet WPDE shows McLeod handcuffed in a patrol car declaring himself ‘one of the most just humans to ever walk this soil’ while equating himself to Superman and God.
During the arrest, McLeod made specific threats against Republican gubernatorial candidate Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s attorney general, vowing to ‘kick his teeth in.’ He also rambled incoherently about Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and his ‘brothers in Compton,’ according to the police report. When officers attempted to remove him from the vehicle at the detention center, McLeod resisted and allegedly kicked another inmate during processing.
The video’s August 2025 resurgence prompted immediate backlash, with the South Carolina Democratic Party issuing a statement urging McLeod to ‘focus on his mental and emotional well-being instead of a campaign for governor.’ Party chair Christale Spain emphasized compassion but implicitly questioned his fitness for office, reflecting concerns within his own political base about the incident’s implications.
McLeod has denied any substance involvement through his attorney Shaun Kent, who attributed the behavior to a mental health episode exacerbated by severe sleep deprivation—claiming the candidate hadn’t rested for nearly six days beforehand. McLeod himself called the arrest ‘unlawful’ in statements to the Post and Courier, asserting his ‘God-given, constitutional right to be in a public place’ while promising voters would eventually ‘know exactly what happened.’
Republican opponent Alan Wilson responded with measured sarcasm on social media, stating he’d give McLeod ‘the benefit of the doubt’ that the threat referred to electoral competition rather than physical violence. Wilson simultaneously highlighted his conservative record defending ‘parental rights and the rule of law,’ framing the incident as evidence of his rival’s instability.
The controversy has significantly damaged McLeod’s campaign viability, with political analysts noting the video reinforces perceptions of erratic behavior. Disorderly conduct charges remain pending as of August 2025, creating ongoing legal uncertainty. McLeod continues campaigning but faces dwindling support within his party as primary elections approach.
Looking ahead, McLeod vows to provide a full explanation of the incident before election day, though this promise has done little to quell demands for his withdrawal. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further developments as investigations continue and campaign deadlines loom.