CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Democratic Party is calling for Mullins McLeod to drop out of the 2026 governor’s race after newly released dash cam video showed him rambling and making vague threats toward law enforcement and political figures following a May incident in downtown Charleston that ultimately led to his arrest.  

William “Mullins” McLeod, 53, was arrested on May 15 after he was found “yelling at the top of his lungs” while walking near the Battery. He was wearing only underwear and shoes at the time, according to a report from the Charleston Police Department.

The video, released Aug. 12 by local police through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows McLeod refusing to identify himself to authorities after being placed in the patrol car, referring to himself at separate times as “Superman” and “God.”   

“It doesn’t matter, my friend, trust me. I’m one of the most just humans to ever walk this soil,” McLeod responds after being asked for his name.

“Superman sounds good,” he immediately adds.

McLeod does eventually identify himself using his full name and makes apparent references to his then-upcoming gubernatorial campaign as he continues to shout, at times incoherently.  

As the nearly hour-long footage progresses, McLeod appears visibly agitated as he goes on a profanity-ridden rant that includes both vague and explicit threats toward current and former South Carolina politicians.

Among those mentioned was Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson, who announced his bid for governor earlier this summer.

“I’m gonna kick your [expletive] teeth in,” McLeod says, seemingly referencing Wilson.

Wilson responded in an Aug. 13 statement, saying he wanted to “give [McLeod] the benefit of the doubt” while also turning focus back to his own campaign.  

“I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he means in a general election, not a street fight,” Wilson said. “My plan for bold, conservative leadership is spreading, and my record of defending President Trump, parental rights, and the rule of law has put a target on my back. But we’re not slowing down, and I’m not done fighting for South Carolina families.”

McLeod is also heard using a racial slur at one point.

A preliminary incident report obtained by News 2 stated that McLeod’s eyes were “extremely bloodshot and highly dilated,” symptoms the officer wrote were “typical of an individual under the influence of a stimulant narcotic.” It was not immediately clear whether McLeod was tested for any substances.

The video shows McLeod refusing to exit the patrol vehicle when it arrives at the Al Cannon Detention Center, telling an officer he would sleep in the back seat.

No, I’m not doing it, no,” McLeod shouts. “I’m not getting out of this car. It’s time to go to bed.”

He is forcibly removed and booked into the jail shortly before 1 a.m., according to the report.

The Charleston Police Department declined further comment on the video’s release, saying only that the department was fulfilling a FOIA request.

McLeod is currently facing misdemeanor charges for disorderly conduct. Those charges were still pending as of Aug. 11, according to a City of Charleston spokesperson.

Messages left with McLeod’s law office, campaign team, and on his cellphone seeking comment were not returned.

The Charleston attorney characterized his arrest as “unlawful” in an Aug. 11 interview with the Post and Courier, telling the outlet that voters would “know exactly what happened” before next year’s election.

McLeod, who ran unsuccessfully for governor as a Democrat in 2010 and served two terms as Charleston County Democratic Party chairman, is trying again for the office. He launched his campaign on Aug. 11, casting himself as a “servant leader” who wants to root out the “cancer” of corruption that he says has infiltrated state government over the past two decades.

He is the first Democrat to officially enter the race to replace Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who cannot run again due to term limits. Richland State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, who launched an exploratory committee in early June, is also considering jumping in.   

Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, suggested in an Aug. 13 statement that McLeod re-evaluate his candidacy.  

“After reviewing the transcript of the dash cam footage from his recent arrest, it is clear that Mr. McLeod is navigating profound challenges and should focus on his mental and emotional well-being instead of a campaign for governor,” the statement read, in part. “We offer him compassion and pray he finds the support he needs.”