Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini admitted to losing his temper after video footage showed him charging toward a resident during a township council meeting. The Republican mayor was physically restrained by attendees as he shouted threats at Michael Sawka, a vocal critic of his administration, during the Wednesday night session.
Video of the incident captures Bianchini lunging toward Sawka before several people intervened to pull him away. As he was removed from the immediate area, the mayor continued to shout threats at Sawka, including profanity. The confrontation occurred while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council.
Bianchini told WPVI-TV that he "basically snapped," describing the outburst as "a long time coming." While acknowledging that his conduct was inappropriate and that he "should not have said that," the mayor maintained that his actions were justified. "Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to," Bianchini stated. He added, "Don't attack my family."
Bianchini and members of his family told WPVI that Sawka and another resident directed rude comments toward the mayor's wife and daughter, who were seated in the room during the meeting. Video shows Sawka gesturing toward the back of the room before making an obscene gesture toward Bianchini shortly before the charge.
Sawka denied making comments directed at the mayor's family. He told WPVI that he remained seated and calm throughout the incident. "I'm just sitting there. I never got up. I sat there the whole time. I was calm the whole time," Sawka said.
Following the meeting, Sawka filed a municipal court complaint on Thursday seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against Bianchini, according to WPVI. Police have not indicated whether they will pursue charges in response to the complaint. Fox News Digital has reached out to both Pemberton Township police and the mayor's office for comment.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club responded to the incident by stating that the township deserves leaders who can "stay composed and professional." The organization urged residents to participate in the upcoming election, in which Bianchini is seeking to retain his position.