Former longtime Mount Pleasant Police Chief Carl Ritchie, a Republican candidate for Charleston County Sheriff, launched the first television ad of any campaign for the office today. The ad entitled “Hold the Bridge” tells the story of Chief Ritchie’s resolve to keep his community safe during the May 2020 downtown riots and the commanding of his officers to not give the Ravenel Bridge to a large group attempting to continue their path from downtown towards Mount Pleasant.
“Charleston County residents need confidence that their next Sheriff has the ability to lead and keep our community safe,” said Chief Ritchie. “While any candidate can deliver campaign talking points, I am proud of my unique and proven record of serving-and-protecting, even during the most turbulent times. The proven public safety leadership I displayed in May 2020 is consistent with the leadership I have provided during my 33-year law enforcement career and the leadership I will provide as our next Sheriff.”
The ad highlights Ritchie’s actions the night of rampant civil unrest and destruction of property along major downtown streets. Featuring Chief Ritchie, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie, and Mount Pleasant Deputy Chief of Police Tyrone Simmons – the ad details how Chief Ritchie gave an order to “hold that bridge,” following a commander of another agency giving a radio transmission to “give them the bridge.”
The ad can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EeX-YsYw8U
“It is clear that we need a Sheriff willing to not only ‘hold the bridge’ when necessary but also hold the line on upholding the rule of law,” said Chief Ritchie. “We need a sheriff with the experience to provide professional, unbiased, ethical service — with full transparency and accountability. We need a sheriff who has proven he can lead on Day One. I humbly and respectfully submit that I am that leader.”
