William ‘Mullins’ McLeod, an injury attorney running as a Democratic candidate for South Carolina governor, has found himself at the center of a political storm following the release of bizarre bodycam footage from his May arrest. The video, which has been widely circulated, captures McLeod ranting for nearly 35 minutes from the back of a patrol car, calling himself ‘Superman’ and ‘God’ while threatening public officials. His behavior, which included refusing to comply with police instructions and using racial slurs, has generated intense public backlash and prompted the South Carolina Democratic Party to call for his withdrawal from the race.
The incident occurred on May 14 when McLeod was arrested by the Charleston Police Department for disorderly conduct. According to the police report, McLeod was wearing only underwear and shoes at the time of his arrest, an unusual and controversial detail that has added to the public’s scrutiny of his behavior. The video shows him rambling about class-action lawsuits and expressing frustration over the lack of financial compensation for victims, before an officer asks him for his name. He refuses to provide it and insists on being called ‘John Doe,’ claiming his name doesn’t matter. This refusal to cooperate with authorities highlights the erratic nature of his actions, which have led to calls for him to drop out of the gubernatorial race.
McLeod’s conduct escalated further as he began making threats toward several South Carolina politicians, including Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson, who had recently launched his own gubernatorial bid. In the video, he shouts, ‘Iām gonna kick your f—ing teeth in,’ seemingly directed at Wilson while accusing the political system of corruption. The footage also includes references to Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican in the race, and former President Donald Trump, with McLeod suggesting that Trump ‘would not be able to take you out,’ seemingly another jab at Wilson. The video was released shortly after McLeod announced his candidacy, raising questions about whether the footage was part of a coordinated effort to damage his campaign.
The South Carolina Democratic Party has issued a statement criticizing McLeod’s actions, calling on him to reconsider his candidacy and focus on his mental and emotional health. Christale Spain, the chair of the party, emphasized the need for compassion and support for McLeod, citing the chaotic nature of the footage as evidence of his ongoing struggles. Despite the party’s plea, McLeod has not withdrawn from the race, and he is set to hold a press conference to address the incident and defend his candidacy. He claims the dashcam video was released to harm his campaign, though he has not yet provided a detailed explanation for his actions.
McLeod’s legal background includes a focus on injury cases, toxic torts, and civil rights violations. His campaign website outlines his professional expertise, suggesting a strong background in advocating for victims’ rights. However, the incident has cast a shadow over his political aspirations and raised critical questions about his suitability for leadership. The video’s release has intensified the already heated gubernatorial race, with political observers noting that the incident may have long-term implications for McLeod’s campaign and his credibility as a candidate.