In the early hours of July 27, 2025, an incident occurred in the parking lot of Motel 6 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, underscoring the real-world implications of the right to keep and bear arms.
According to Tina Terry of wsoctv.com, what began as a routine rideshare pickup turned into a life-or-death situation for a driver who was lawfully armed and ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing after fatally shooting his passenger, 23-year-old Kendale Williams from North Carolina.
According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, Williams had booked a ride to the motel via a ride-sharing app. Upon arrival, tensions escalated inside the vehicle.
Investigators determined that Williams was the initial aggressor and deployed a stun gun on the driver before attempting to strangle him. In response, the driver—who was legally carrying a concealed firearm—fired a single shot, striking Williams, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
An eyewitness said she saw the car crash into an RV before Williams rolled out, followed by gunshots. The driver was detained briefly for questioning, but a thorough investigation by York County Sheriff’s and multiple witnesses confirmed his actions were justified.
Allowing individuals to use deadly force without retreating in the face of imminent danger, South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” law safeguarded this driver’s right to defend his life.
After reviewing the evidence, the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor ruled the driver acted lawfully. No charges were filed, underscoring how Constitutional Carry and “Stand Your Ground” protect everyday citizens – especially vulnerable workers like rideshare drivers.
As details emerge, one thing is clear: In South Carolina, the right to self-defense isn’t just a theory – it’s a lifeline to law-abiding citizens.
