SC legislator arrested on charge of pulling gun at polling place

COLUMBIA — Police arrested a state representative Friday on accusations he pointed a gun at his primary opponent’s relative following an argument outside a polling place.

Rep. Michael Rivers, a Democrat from St. Helena Island who lost his reelection bid, was booked in the Colleton County jail Friday morning before his release on a personal recognizance bond, according to court records. That means he signed a promise to return to court without needing to pay cash.

The charge carries up to five years in prison, plus a fine left up to a judge to decide.

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Rivers, who was first elected in 2016, denied any wrongdoing.

“I’m innocent and feel this accusation from my political opponent represents politics at its worst,” Rivers told the SC Daily Gazette on Friday.

The pastor and Air Force veteran, who turns 68 next week, is accused of drawing a weapon June 9 after an argument broke out at Green Pond Community Center, a polling place for the statewide primaries, according to an arrest warrant from the State Law Enforcement Division.

According to the warrant, the charge was based on video from the parking lot as well as witness statements.

Rivers got into an argument with the uncle of Shannon DeLoach, the Democrat who successfully challenged Rivers’ re-election. DeLoach brought his uncle to help greet voters when they ran into Rivers, he previously told the Gazette.

After a brief conversation with DeLoach, Rivers got in his car, DeLoach said. When DeLoach’s uncle approached, Rivers brandished a gun before driving off, he said.

Rivers did not elaborate on what happened, adding only that he considered himself a good representative of the people in his district, which spans portions of Colleton and Beaufort counties.

“I ask that people withhold judgment until this matter is settled in a court of law,” Rivers said.

DeLoach, a pastor and owner of two funeral homes, defeated Rivers in the primary with 54% of the vote. He faces Republican Shelley Gay Yuhas in the Nov. 3 general election.