A North Carolina homeowner recounted a violent Trump banner shooting that erupted outside his mother’s home, underscoring America’s escalating political hostility. The confrontation left the family shaken and raised renewed concerns about rising partisan tensions nationwide.
Mark Thomas, who operates a river rafting business in the Nantahala Gorge, said the confrontation began suddenly. He noticed a man wearing a dark mask stop near a Trump banner placed outside his 87-year-old mother’s property. After reviewing his cameras, Thomas saw the stranger rip the sign down before events escalated quickly.
According to Thomas, the masked individual sped off but soon returned, prompting the shocking Trump banner shooting. The man, later identified as 38-year-old accountant Benjamin Michael Campbell, allegedly fired several rounds toward the house. Thomas said he grabbed his rifle and fired two warning shots into the air to protect his mother.
Moments later, Campbell reportedly opened his vehicle’s sunroof and fired multiple bullets, striking household items inside. Thomas said the suspect fled briefly but returned again to unleash more gunfire before disappearing into the night. Police eventually tracked down Campbell weeks later and charged him with multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon and property damage.
Thomas expressed disbelief that a professional adult would act so violently over a simple sign. Thomas emphasized that his intention was never to harm anyone, only to defend his home and elderly mother.
He added that his family’s property displays several other political signs, which could have provoked additional chaos had they been discovered. Thomas believes incidents like the Trump banner shooting show how dangerously polarized the country has become.
The homeowner also reflected on recent political violence nationwide, including attacks targeting conservative activists. He warned that unchecked anger could push more Americans toward irrational acts. Despite the fear and property damage, Thomas said he hopes to one day speak with the shooter to understand what led to the outburst.
