Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged toward a resident during a township council meeting Wednesday night and had to be restrained by people in the room, according to video described by Fox News and reporting from WPVI-TV.
The resident, Michael Sawka, is a vocal critic of Bianchini, WPVI reported. Video showed Bianchini lunging toward Sawka as the mayor shouted, “I’m getting you.” People at the meeting intervened and pulled Bianchini away. He continued shouting threats, including profanity, as he was removed.
The confrontation took place while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council. Bianchini and members of his family told WPVI that Sawka and another resident had made rude remarks about Bianchini’s wife and daughter, who were seated in the meeting room.
Footage showed Sawka gesturing toward the back of the room and then making an obscene gesture toward the mayor shortly before Bianchini moved toward him. Sawka disputed the account of what led to the incident. He told WPVI that he had not made comments aimed at Bianchini’s family and remained seated throughout the confrontation.
After the meeting, Bianchini acknowledged that he lost his temper. “I just basically snapped,” he told WPVI, adding that the situation had been building for a long time. He also said his behavior was inappropriate and that he should not have made the threat.
Bianchini said he was not going to harm anyone, but also characterized his actions as justified and said he would act the same way again if he had to. He added that people should not attack his family.
Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic-threats charges against the mayor, WPVI reported. The complaint is a request for charges, not a report that charges have been filed. Police had not said whether they would pursue the matter. Fox News Digital said it had contacted Pemberton Township police for comment and also reached out to the mayor’s office.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club criticized the conduct, saying the township needs leaders who can remain composed and professional. The club also encouraged residents to take part in the upcoming election. Bianchini is seeking to keep his position, according to the report.
The incident occurred at a public meeting and prompted differing accounts from the mayor and Sawka about the remarks preceding the confrontation. The available source material does not report a police decision or any court action beyond Sawka’s complaint.
