Charlotte Man Charged With Firing At Trump Supporters Along I-77

CHARLOTTE, NC — Hours following the conclusion of the Charlotte leg of the Republican National Convention Monday, a Charlotte man was arrested after authorities accused him of firing a handgun at supporters of President Trump who had gathered on an Interstate 77 overpass in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

According to the Fort Mill Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Aug. 24 in the area of I-77 and Sutton Road. Individuals at the political gathering told officers that three men in a vehicle drove by the group more than once, "making derogatory remarks and yelling obscenities."

Witness told FMPD that as the vehicle drove onto the ramp for Northbound I-77, the driver extended his arm out the window while holding a handgun, yelling at the group.

"The victims further stated that, at that moment, they heard several shots fired, and the vehicle then proceeded northbound on the Interstate," FMPD said in a statement.

A South Carolina Highway Patrol troop in the area saw the activity and attempted to locate the vehicle. It was later found abandoned near Gold Hill Road and Deerfield Drive.

"While out with that vehicle, officers observed another vehicle attempting to leave the area, and noticed that clothing worn by one of the occupants matched that of one the suspects in the incident," police said. "That vehicle was stopped by officers nearby, and the investigation continued, resulting in identification of three subjects, and confirmation of their involvement in the incident."

Two of the men in the vehicle were released without charges.

Police identified Marquise Damarius Asomani, 23, of Charlotte as the driver of the vehicle. He faces six counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature; one count of unlawful carrying of a pistol, one count of pointing and presenting firearms at a person; and one count of possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

Asomani’s bond was set at $75,000 and was transferred into the custody of the York County Detention Center.