A Charlotte screen printing business co-owner ejected from a Donald Trump campaign rally after giving a viral live interview on Fox News comparing the MAGA movement to the Jonestown Massacre is now selling $28 T-shirts featuring his quote and a skeleton graphic.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Tom Hoyle, co-owner of Charlotte-based MadPark Designs, gained viral attention following an impromptu pre-rally interview with Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson at an event in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
- During the broadcast, Hoyle referenced the 1978 Jonestown Massacre—where 918 people died by murder-suicide—stating it was “as close as I’ll ever get” to seeing a cult “up front.”
- Following the broadcast, Secret Service agents approached Hoyle and asked him to leave before Trump took the stage.
From Fox News Broadcast to Charlotte Merchandise
MadPark Designs, launched in 2018 as a Charlotte screen printer producing merchandise for local businesses, musicians, and organizations, has capitalized on the sudden exposure. Axios reported that the shop is now selling T-shirts for $28 featuring Hoyle’s viral quote alongside a skeleton graphic. Hoyle told Axios that he anticipates some individuals might use the graphic for Halloween costumes.
The incident unfolded in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where Trump appeared at a rally intended to support Republican Sen. Darline Graham. Before the event, Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson spoke with Hoyle, a 57-year-old bearded man wearing a baseball cap and a T-shirt featuring the metal band Death. In the exchange, Hoyle explicitly compared the political gathering to the 1978 Jonestown Massacre.
Motivations Behind the Rally Confrontation
Hoyle explained to independent journalist Marisa Kabas of The Handbasket that his attendance was prompted by annoyance after rally organizers solicited his business by phone. “They broke the cardinal rule with MadPark Designs,” Hoyle told The Handbasket, adding that the business despises unsolicited political or corporate outreach and sought a way to “turn the tables.”
Hoyle registered for the event under his real name and voiced deep-seated opposition to Trump, noting that his opposition dates back to 1989 and the Central Park Five case. Hoyle also described previous confrontations with immigration agents during Charlotte area raids last year, characterizing those operations as dangerous and wasteful.
| Event Detail | Reported Fact | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Origin | MadPark Designs launched in Charlotte in 2018 | Axios |
| Rally Location | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Mediaite |
| Merchandise Price | $28 per T-shirt | Axios |
Next Steps and Future Production
Hoyle stated to Axios that he is currently tossing around ideas for additional shirt designs but emphasized that he does not want to get ahead of himself following the unexpected surge in attention.
References
- Axios: Coverage of MadPark Designs and Tom Hoyle merchandise launch.
- The Handbasket / Mediaite: Detailed interview regarding the Rock Hill rally ejection and historical context.
