NJ Mayor Matthew Bianchini Lunges at Critic Michael Sawka, Prompting 2 Criminal Complaints
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 23
NJ Mayor Matthew Bianchini Lunges at Critic Michael Sawka, Prompting 2 Criminal Complaints
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 23
Summary
Video from Wednesday’s Pemberton Township council meeting shows Mayor Matthew Bianchini rushing toward resident Michael Sawka and being physically restrained as he shouted, “I’m getting you.”
Bianchini later told WPVI he “snapped” after Sawka and another resident allegedly made rude comments about his wife and daughter; Sawka denied targeting the family and said he stayed seated and calm.
Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic-threats charges against the Republican mayor, while police had not said whether they would pursue charges.
The clash erupted as a recently fired township employee addressed the council and quickly became a political issue, with the local Democratic club urging voters to back leaders who stay composed as Bianchini seeks reelection.