A national non-profit organization is urging South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to intervene in McColl following the resignation of the town’s entire police force. The Uvalde Foundation, also known as the One in Five Foundation For Kids, has initiated volunteer patrols in the area to address public safety concerns.
Key Takeaways
- The entire police force in McColl, consisting of five officers, resigned two weeks ago.
- The Uvalde Foundation has begun volunteer patrols in the town to ensure safety.
- Governor McMaster has been formally requested to investigate the situation.
- A South Carolina senator has raised legal concerns regarding the non-profit’s involvement.
Background Of The Situation
The crisis in McColl escalated when the entire police force, including the police chief, resigned, leaving the small town of approximately 2,000 residents without law enforcement. This unprecedented situation prompted the Uvalde Foundation to step in, aiming to provide safety and support to the community’s youth and families.
In a letter made public by the foundation’s Founder and National Director, Daniel Chapin, the organization expressed its concerns about the deteriorating public safety conditions in McColl. The letter emphasized the foundation’s commitment to preventing tragedies similar to the Uvalde school shooting and requested a formal investigation into the events affecting the town.
The Uvalde Foundation’s Response
The Uvalde Foundation, established in response to the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, has mobilized volunteers to patrol McColl. Their mission is to ensure the safety of students and the community, especially in light of the recent police resignations. The foundation’s letter to Governor McMaster highlighted the urgency of the situation and requested a meeting to discuss their concerns directly.
Chapin’s letter stated:
"We trust your administration is aware of the events of concern & will continue its history of dedication and ‘hands-on approach’ in ensuring the safety of its citizens, most especially those we represent as its most vulnerable – its students & youth."
Legal Concerns Raised
In response to the non-profit’s involvement, newly elected South Carolina Senator JD Chaplin has sought the opinion of the state attorney general regarding the legal implications of the foundation’s actions. Chaplin expressed concerns that the foundation’s patrols might constitute an unlawful usurpation of the municipality’s police powers.
In his letter, Chaplin stated:
"I am concerned about this non-profit’s actions because they appear to be an unlawful usurpation of the municipality’s police powers."
He questioned whether the non-profit’s quasi-law enforcement activities could raise serious legal issues, particularly given the recent turmoil in McColl, which included the resignation of the police force and the death of the mayor amid an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Community Response And Future Actions
The community’s response to the Uvalde Foundation’s involvement has been mixed. While many residents welcome the additional safety measures, others have expressed concerns about the legality and appropriateness of an out-of-state organization conducting patrols in their town. Reports of threats directed at the foundation from an unidentified source have further complicated the situation, raising fears about the safety of volunteers and the community.
As the situation unfolds, the Uvalde Foundation remains committed to its mission of protecting the youth of McColl, while local leaders and state officials grapple with the legal and safety implications of this unprecedented intervention. The outcome of the attorney general’s opinion and the governor’s response will be crucial in determining the future of public safety in McColl.
