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A New Jersey Republican mayor charged toward a resident during a chaotic township council meeting this week and had to be physically restrained as he shouted threats at the man, dramatic video shows.
Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini, a Republican, rushed toward the resident during Wednesday night’s meeting before several people intervened and pulled him away.
The resident, Michael Sawka, is a vocal critic of the mayor, according to WPVI-TV.
“I’m getting you,” Bianchini can be heard shouting.
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Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged toward a resident during a heated council meeting in New Jersey before being restrained by others in attendance. (Ryan Elmore/Pine Barrens Tribune via Storyful)
Video of the meeting shows Bianchini lunging toward Sawka before being restrained by others in attendance.
As he was removed, Bianchini could be heard shouting additional threats at Sawka, including profanity.
Following the meeting, Bianchini admitted that he lost his temper.
“I just basically snapped,” Bianchini told WPVI. “I hate to put it this way, but it’s a long time coming.”
The mayor acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate.
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“I should not have said that,” he told the station. “That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I’m not gonna get anybody.”
The confrontation happened while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council.
Bianchini and members of his family told WPVI that Sawka and another resident made rude comments toward the mayor’s wife and daughter, who were seated in the room.
Sawka can be seen gesturing toward the back of the room before making an obscene gesture toward Bianchini, shortly before the mayor charged at him.
“Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to,” Bianchini said.
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New Jersey Mayor Matthew Bianchini was restrained after rushing toward a resident during a chaotic township council meeting Wednesday night. (Ryan Elmore/Pine Barrens Tribune via Storyful)
He added, “Don’t attack my family.”
Sawka denied making comments directed at Bianchini’s family and said he remained seated during the confrontation.
“I’m just sitting there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was calm the whole time,” he told WPVI.
Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against Bianchini, according to WPVI.
Police have not said whether they will pursue charges. Digital has reached out to Pemberton Township police for comment.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club responded to the confrontation by saying the township deserves leaders who can “stay composed and professional” and urged residents to participate in the upcoming election, in which Bianchini is seeking to retain his position.
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Video shows Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini rushing toward a resident during a council meeting before several people intervened. (Ryan Elmore/Pine Barrens Tribune via Storyful)
Digital has reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
