Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod is suing Charleston Police Department and three of its officers.
The lowcountry attorney was arrested in May 2025 on disorderly conduct charges. An incident report said McLeod created a public disturbance when he allegedly yelled along the Battery in only his underwear. McLeod’s attorneys argue that the incident report was false and defamatory. They also accuse the arresting officers of breaking the lawyer’s neck while detaining him. McLeod argues the police department released the now-viral video of the arrest to undermine his right to a fair trial.
In August 2025, right after McLeod announced his bid for governor, body camera footage of the incident was released to the public. The lawsuit argues the choice to release the now-viral video was deliberate to harm his reputation for public office.
McLeod’s legal team accused the city of offering to “drop the charges” if they did not sue.
The suit seeks damages from the city and the officers. Charleston does not comment on pending litigation.
