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A Republican New Jersey mayor charged at a resident during a chaotic city 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’ll catch you,” Bianchini can be heard shouting.
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Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged at 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 present.
As he was being kicked out, Bianchini could be heard shouting additional threats at Sawka, including profanities.
After the meeting, Bianchini admitted to losing his temper.
“I just broke down,” Bianchini told WPVI. “I hate to say it this way, but it takes time.”
The mayor acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate.
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“I shouldn’t have said that,” he told the station. “It was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I won’t have anyone.”
The confrontation occurred as a recently fired municipal employee addressed the council.
Bianchini and family members told WPVI that Sawka and another resident made rude comments toward the mayor’s wife and daughter, who were sitting in the room.
Sawka can be seen gesturing towards the back of the room before making an obscene gesture towards Bianchini, shortly before the mayor charges 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 city council meeting Wednesday night. (Ryan Elmore/Pine Barrens Tribune via Storyful)
He added: “Don’t attack my family. »
Sawka denied making the comments toward Bianchini’s family and said he remained seated during the confrontation.
“I just sat there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was quiet the whole time,” he told WPVI.
Sawka filed a complaint in municipal court Thursday seeking charges of assault and terroristic threats against Bianchini, according to WPVI.
Police have not said whether they will press charges. Fox News Digital has reached out to Pemberton Township police for comment.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club responded to the confrontation by saying the township deserved leaders who could “remain calm and professional” and urged residents to participate in the upcoming election, in which Bianchini seeks to retain his position.
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The video shows Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini rushing toward a resident during a council meeting before several people intervene. (Ryan Elmore/Pine Barrens Tribune via Storyful)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
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