Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini, a Republican, charged at a resident during a council meeting Wednesday night and had to be physically restrained by people in the room, according to video of the incident reported by WPVI-TV.
The resident, Michael Sawka, a vocal critic of the mayor, was seated when Bianchini rushed toward him. “I’m getting you,” Bianchini shouted, according to the video. As others pulled him away, Bianchini continued shouting threats, including profanity, at Sawka.
The confrontation occurred while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council. Bianchini and family members told WPVI that Sawka and another resident made rude comments directed at the mayor’s wife and daughter, who were seated in the room. Video shows Sawka gesturing toward the back of the room and making an obscene gesture toward Bianchini shortly before the mayor moved toward him.
Sawka disputed that account. “I’m just sitting there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was calm the whole time,” he told WPVI, denying he made comments about the mayor’s family.
After the meeting, Bianchini acknowledged losing control of himself.
“I just basically snapped. I hate to put it this way, but it’s a long time coming,” Bianchini told WPVI.
He also said his conduct was out of line. “I should not have said that. That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I’m not gonna get anybody,” he said. But he also defended his reaction toward Sawka, saying, “Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to,” adding, “Don’t attack my family.”
Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against the mayor, WPVI reported. Police have not said whether charges will be pursued.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club said the township deserves leaders who can “stay composed and professional” and called on residents to take part in the upcoming election, in which Bianchini is seeking to keep his seat.
Fox News Digital reported it had reached out to both Pemberton Township police and the mayor’s office for comment.
