Gov. McMaster coming to Myrtle Beach to discuss law enforcement options

Gov. Henry McMaster is coming to Myrtle Beach on Thursday where he will convene a meeting with local law enforcement after the city was the site of five shootings in three days.

McMaster called State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel late last night to convene the meeting, said Brian Symmes, a spokesman for the governor.

Myrtle Beach was already scrambling to deal with violence as one of the shootings, which sent seven to the hospital, was broadcast on Facebook live, gaining millions of viewers and national attention.

But at 8:45 p.m. Monday, officer responded to the fifth shooting at the Lazy G Motel at 405 27th Ave. N. That incident was a catalyst for the governor to call the meeting, Symmes said.

“He wants to make sure that state resources are made available to Myrtle Beach, because the Grand Strand is obviously an important part of the state in terms of tourism,” Symmes said. He added that McMaster is concerned for the safety of tourists and South Carolinians alike.

Symmes did not have details on the format of the meeting. McMaster was already scheduled to visit town on Thursday for a roundtable with business leaders.

This story was originally published June 20, 2017 at 9:51 AM with the headline "Gov. McMaster coming to Myrtle Beach to discuss law enforcement options."