Is this booming SC city facing a spike in fights downtown? Here’s what we know

Two Greenville County civil rights leaders have raised concerns about fights occurring over the past few months in downtown Greenville, which has been lauded nationally for its decades-long comeback.

Derrick Quarles told Greenville City Council this month that as many as three fights have occurred each weekend during the past few months. He called for Police Chief Howie Thompson to resign, saying police response has been lacking.

Various videos on social media have gone viral showing what looks like large groups of teenagers or young adults standing by as several people — male and female alike — attack each other, beating and shoving. In one a girl jumps on top of another girl after she falls into some bushes and hits her in the head.

Greenville Assistant City Manager Tara Eaker said in an email that the Police Department is responding with enhanced public safety measures. She said more specific information on how the city is responding will be announced soon.

“We are aware of the recent incidents downtown, including a small number of fights in the early morning hours that have drawn attention on social media,” she said. “These incidents do not reflect a trend in Greenville. However, even one fight on our streets is one too many, and this behavior will not be tolerated.”

She said Greenville’s crime rate is at a 10-year low. Greenville - including downtown.

Greenville “remains a safe place to work, live, learn and visit,” she said.

Thompson has been chief for almost five years and has been with the Greenville Police Department for 28 years.

Quarles said he disputes the chief’s statement that as many as 30 officers patrol downtown and believes the number of fights is significantly higher than what officials say.

Jordan Thornton, who works downtown, told Fox Carolina television station, “Like every week there’s at least three or four fights that I know of.”

Quarles also said the chief has not been on the scene for several major crimes, including shootings at the Shops at Greenridge and near a Laurens Road restaurant.

Bruce Wilson, who heads Fighting Injustice Together, said to him the downtown fights look like brawls.

He said he has been able to engage in conversations with many law enforcement agencies but not Greenville city police.

Greenville’s downtown revitalization over the past decades has brought it nationwide acclaim from urban organizations as well as various magazines that have placed the city on numerous best of lists.

Representatives of other cities often visit to hear what’s been dubbed The Greenville Story.

Millions have been invested by major hotel chains and the city has become known for its culinary scene.

This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM.