Man Arrested accused of fighting Flag Protesters

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– An Irmo man has been arrested after police say he got into a fight with anti Confederate Flag protesters at the State House Monday. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Bureau of Protective Services has arrested an Irmo, SC, man around 7:15 p.m. for disorderly conduct. Nicholas Thompson, 25, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after confronting a crowd of anti-Confederate flag protesters. BPS reports that about 30 protesters, who oppose the Confederate Flag, were on Statehouse grounds when a group of about 15 vehicles with pro-flag supporters pulled up on Gervais Street in front of the Statehouse and stopped in the middle of the street. The group of vehicles were headed toward Sumter Street. About eight to 10 occupants exited their vehicles and began to engage in an altercation with the crowd. BPS and additional law enforcement were able to contain the situation. The SC Highway Patrol, University of South Carolina Police and Columbia Police Department responded to the scene as well. Protesters remain on the Statehouse grounds and the law enforcement presence has been increased to monitor the situation.