New Jersey mayor charges at resident during council meeting

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 00:20 · Archive

Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini lunged at a resident during a Wednesday council meeting before being restrained.

Pemberton Township Republican Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged at resident Michael Sawka during a Wednesday evening council meeting in New Jersey and had to be physically restrained by several people in attendance. Video of the meeting shows Bianchini lunging toward Sawka, who is a vocal critic of the mayor, before being pulled away. As he was removed, Bianchini shouted threats at Sawka, including profanity, saying 'I'm getting you'.

Following the meeting, Bianchini acknowledged his behaviour was inappropriate. He told reporters he lost his temper, saying 'I basically snapped' and 'I should not have said that. That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment.' However, he also stated 'Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to.'

Bianchini and members of his family told reporters that Sawka and another resident made rude comments toward the mayor's wife and daughter, who were seated in the room. Sawka claimed Bianchini threatened him and told police he wanted to press assault charges. The confrontation occurred while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council.

How it is being reported

• Wild moment New Jersey mayor charges at a resident in front of shocked locals during out-of-control public meetingPemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini, 59, had to be held back from attacking a constituent during a tense town meeting.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 23:53
• 'I basically snapped': New Jersey mayor charges at resident during chaotic council meetingVideo captures New Jersey Republican Mayor Matthew Bianchini lunging at a resident during a Pemberton Township council meeting before being restrained.Fox News · 23 Oct, 02:42

In this story: Matthew Bianchini · Michael Sawka · Pemberton Township · New Jersey

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