BEAUFORT, S.C. () — Three people were arrested and charged in the Lowcountry for wearing masks during the “No Kings” protests Saturday.

Thousands of people filled the streets this weekend across our area, all part of the so called “No Kings” protests that took place nationwide. Questions have been raised about the mask laws in Georgia and South Carolina following the Savannah and Lowcountry arrests.

In the Lowcountry, organizers in Beaufort said about 1,500 people showed up to their No Kings protest, making it the largest national protest in the city’s history.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said three people in total were arrested and charged for wearing a mask during the protests. Those arrested were Donald Edwards, Gael Merida, both at the Hilton Head event, and a third person Brian Crane, who was arrested in Bluffton.

received footage from Edwards’ arrest. Watch it below:

Protesters filled nearly half a mile of sidewalk, from City Hall to the Beaufort County Government Building.

Reportedly, around 1,000 people gathered at the Hilton Head Island event. 

More people gathered in Bluffton, including some from the Hilton Head and Beaufort events after theirs ended.

South Carolina has an almost identical law to Georgia regarding wearing masks in public. In South Carolina however, you aren’t allowed to wear a mask for medical reasons unless there is an active pandemic, epidemic or lawfully declared state of emergency.