# Protests at South Carolina campaign rally

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/protests-at-south-carolina-campaign-rally
> Updated: 2026-10-22T02:25:26.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

During a campaign event in Pendleton, South Carolina, supporting Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham, protesters caused recurring disruptions at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. 

Initially, police escorted approximately ten protesters from the venue after verbal interruptions began shortly after the event opened. Donald Trump paused his speech to address the crowd, alleging the individuals were “paid protesters” receiving $250. 

As the event progressed, physical altercations occurred between attendees and demonstrators. Reports indicated a Trump supporter struck a protester, causing them to fall. Trump reacted to the violence by describing the incident as ‘great’ and asking, ‘Who is the guy who landed that punch?’

Trump further praised the altercation, calling the act “great” and “incredible.” He compared the punch to the skills of former boxing champion Evander Holyfield, who was also in attendance. This incident follows similar escalations at recent campaign stops, such as an event in Youngstown, Ohio, where demonstrators were also physically attacked.

## Claims

- Donald Trump held a campaign event in Pendleton, South Carolina. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- A Trump supporter struck a demonstrator during the rally. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Donald Trump described the physical altercation as ‘great’. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Trump asked, ‘Who is the guy who landed that punch?’ (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Trump campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Protesters disrupted a campaign appearance in North Carolina the previous day. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place in approximately two weeks. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Security forces removed approximately ten protesters from the hall. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Donald Trump applauds physical altercation at South Carolina rally

President Donald Trump cheered from the stage after a supporter punched a demonstrator during a campaign rally in South Carolina, calling the physical altercation “great.”

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-applauds-physical-altercations-at-south-carolina-rally

### 2026-10-22: Donald Trump addresses protesters at South Carolina rally

Donald Trump addressed several protesters who were escorted from his campaign rally for Darline Graham in Pendleton, South Carolina, alleging they were “paid protesters.”

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-addresses-protesters-at-south-carolina-rally

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Cite as: Protests at South Carolina campaign rally. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/protests-at-south-carolina-campaign-rally