Myrtle Beach Man Charged with Hate Crime After Alleged Nightclub Shooting

Authorities say the suspect faces multiple charges, including hate intimidation, marking the first use of the city's hate-intimidation law since 2024.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of self-driving cars.The alleged shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Myrtle Beach has triggered the city's hate-intimidation law, exposing ongoing tensions over public safety and protecting vulnerable communities.Myrtle Beach Today

Myrtle Beach police arrested a man after shots were allegedly fired outside the Pulse Ultra Club on April 1, damaging the operator's vehicle but injuring no one. The suspect faces multiple charges, including hate intimidation, marking the first use of the city's hate-intimidation law since 2024.

Why it matters

The alleged shooting at the LGBTQ+ nightclub has triggered Myrtle Beach's hate-intimidation law, which was enacted in 2024 to address bias-motivated crimes. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces in balancing public safety and protecting vulnerable communities.

The details

In the April 1 incident, Myrtle Beach police arrested a suspect and charged him with multiple offenses, including hate intimidation. This marks the first time the city's hate-intimidation law has been invoked since it was enacted in 2024. The law was designed to address bias-motivated crimes and provide enhanced penalties for offenders.

  • The alleged shooting incident occurred on April 1, 2026.
  • Myrtle Beach's hate-intimidation law was enacted in 2024.

The players

Myrtle Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that arrested the suspect and is investigating the incident.

Pulse Ultra Club

The LGBTQ+ nightclub where the alleged shooting took place.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Myrtle Beach or target members of our community based on their identity.”

— Mayor Brenda Bethune, Mayor of Myrtle Beach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Myrtle Beach faces in addressing bias-motivated crimes and protecting vulnerable communities. The city's hate-intimidation law is a tool to hold offenders accountable, but its effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement and community engagement.