SC Legislator Sues Former Prosecutor, Firefighter Over Facebook Feud

State Sen. Josh Kimbrell alleges defamation and malicious prosecution in ongoing dispute.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a political podium or lectern, with the form repeated and fractured into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying a sense of motion and tension.The heated political feud between a state senator and his critics spills over into the courts, exposing the divisive nature of modern political discourse.Greenville Today

State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, a 2026 Republican gubernatorial candidate, has filed a defamation lawsuit against former 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins, attorney Lane Davis, and married couple Kyle and Emily Gilmore. The lawsuit centers around a legal dispute over a charter airplane company where Emily Gilmore works, as well as comments Kimbrell made criticizing a firefighter in his district.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the increasingly contentious nature of political discourse, with elected officials turning to the courts to address perceived attacks on their character and reputation. It also raises questions about the appropriate boundaries between public officials and private citizens, especially on social media.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the dispute began after Kimbrell announced his gubernatorial campaign last July. Nine days later, Wilkins and Davis filed a civil action against Kimbrell on behalf of a former business associate. The lawsuit alleges the attorneys then made defamatory statements and encouraged others to do the same. On April 7, the Gilmores reported Kimbrell for harassment, prompting a police investigation that was later closed with no criminal activity found. The lawsuit claims the full, unredacted police report was then given to local media.

  • Kimbrell announced his gubernatorial campaign in July 2025.
  • Nine days later, Wilkins and Davis filed a civil action against Kimbrell.
  • On April 7, 2026, the Gilmores reported Kimbrell for harassment.
  • Mauldin police opened and then closed the harassment case, with the full police report later given to local media.

The players

Josh Kimbrell

A two-term state senator who is running for governor as a Republican in 2026.

Walt Wilkins

The former 13th Circuit Solicitor who is named in Kimbrell's defamation lawsuit.

Lane Davis

An attorney who is named in Kimbrell's defamation lawsuit.

Kyle Gilmore

A firefighter for the Boiling Springs Fire Department whose social media post sparked the dispute with Kimbrell.

Emily Gilmore

Kyle Gilmore's wife, who works for Exodus Airlines LLC, a charter aircraft company that Kimbrell previously co-owned.

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What they’re saying

“I would issue a statement.”

— Kyle Gilmore, Firefighter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the defamation lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the increasingly polarized political climate, where elected officials are turning to the courts to address perceived attacks on their reputation. It raises questions about the appropriate boundaries between public officials and private citizens, especially on social media.