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Video shows New Jersey mayor charging at resident during council meeting
ABC7 New York • • nation
Key Points:
- During a Pemberton Township council meeting, Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged at resident Michael Sawka after tensions escalated, with the mayor shouting threats before being restrained and removed from the room.
- Bianchini admitted to "snapping" and expressed regret for his words but defended his actions as a response to Sawka allegedly making rude comments toward his family, which Sawka denies.
- Sawka has been a vocal critic of township spending and accused the mayor's family of personal attacks against him, while Bianchini claims Sawka has harassed him and other township leaders for years.
- Sawka filed a complaint seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against Bianchini, though the police have not yet decided whether to pursue the case.
- The incident occurred just weeks before the mayoral election, with Bianchini running to retain his position and emphasizing his commitment to improving the township despite the altercation.
