News Summary
Calvin “Skip” Hoagland was arrested for trespassing at a Beaufort County GOP meeting on January 28, 2025, after being asked to leave. With a history of legal troubles, including over 20 misdemeanor convictions, Hoagland’s disruptive behavior has led to his expulsion from the GOP. Local law enforcement was notified in advance of potential issues, ensuring heightened security during the meeting which focused on criminal justice issues. The incident has sparked discussions in Bluffton about his future in local politics.
Bluffton Man Arrested for Trespassing at GOP Meeting
In a surprising turn of events, Calvin “Skip” Hoagland found himself on the wrong side of the law after being removed from a Beaufort County GOP executive committee meeting on January 28, 2025. The drama unfolded at the Downtown Deli in Bluffton as local police stepped in to handle the situation just before 5:30 p.m.
The Arrest
Bluffton police acted swiftly, detaining Hoagland and placing him in handcuffs before loading him into a black SUV emblazoned with the Bluffton Police Department logo. As the scene unfolded, onlookers were left buzzing about the unexpected incident. By the next afternoon, at around 2:30 p.m. on January 29, 2025, Hoagland was still in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
What Happened?
Hoagland’s arrest wasn’t just another case of a man overstaying his welcome. During the incident, police found him carrying a handgun. Thankfully, he didn’t brandish the weapon, according to police chief Joe Babkiewicz. But let’s not forget, this wasn’t Hoagland’s first brush with the law. In fact, he has a history of more than 20 misdemeanor convictions for interrupting public meetings throughout Beaufort County.
A Troubled History
Hoagland’s legal troubles date back to November 2023 when a magistrate judge sentenced him to jail time for his failure to comply with court fines. His controversial behavior has left him with a tarnished reputation, even among GOP members. Chairman Kevin Hennelly pointed out that Hoagland hasn’t been a member in good standing for several years. Just last year, he created quite a stir during a GOP meeting when he made racist, sexist, and xenophobic remarks.
GOP’s Response
Following the uproar, the executive committee voted overwhelmingly—44 to 4—to strip Hoagland of his membership. A letter was sent to him, giving him 15 days to publicly apologize to fellow member Xiaodan Li and adhere to meeting rules. Hoagland, however, chose not to comply. His disruptive presence prompted law enforcement intervention on several occasions after he attempted to return to GOP meetings in Bluffton and Hilton Head.
The Night of the Incident
Just a few days prior to the meeting, on January 26, 2025, Hoagland sent an email to the GOP, indicating he planned to attend the meeting as a guest of another member. Hennelly promptly responded, reminding him of his poor standing within the party. Knowing the potential for trouble, law enforcement was alerted to expect him at the event, leading to increased security measures due to the attendance of notable figures like South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Security Measures
The GOP meeting took on a more cautious tone that evening, as police were stationed at the venue, aware that Hoagland was prohibited from entering. When he arrived, officers approached him, requesting he leave. However, he refused, escalating the situation. This was a private event, not a public meeting, and attendance required prior registration, limiting capacity to just 125 people.
On the Agenda
The meeting featured discussions focused on criminal justice issues and the responsibilities of the attorney general’s office. As the GOP prepares for the upcoming South Carolina primary scheduled for June 2026, the atmosphere was expected to be serious and collaborative, not filled with conflict.
As the dust settles on this latest incident, residents of Bluffton are left questioning what will come next for Hoagland and the Beaufort County GOP. Will he finally take a hint and stay away, or will he continue to stir the pot in local politics? Only time will tell.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- ABC News 4: Missing Man Found Dead
- Island Packet: Politics News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Politics
- Fox 28 Savannah: Bluffton Mayor Retirement
- Google Search: Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka
- Post and Courier: Conservative Presidential Election News
- Google News: Conservative Presidential Election 2024
