Edison, NJ Resident Removed from Council Meeting Over U.S. Flag Display

In a scene that’s sparking national debate, Joel Bassoff, a resident of Edison, New Jersey, was ejected from a town council meeting after holding up an American flag and citing the U.S. Constitution during his remarks. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral, drawing attention to the council’s controversial proposal to ban “props” during public comments and restrict speaking times at meetings.

The Middlesex County town council, led by President Nishith Patel, argued that these measures were necessary to control what they described as increasingly “raucous” public meetings. However, critics contend that the rules stifle free expression and undermine fundamental constitutional rights.

During a marathon five-hour meeting on November 25, Bassoff, a lawyer, spoke out against the council’s proposed ordinance to limit public speaking time and ban props. He argued that the measures were an attempt to “gag” the public, silencing criticism of the mayor and council over issues like wasteful spending, public safety concerns, and quality-of-life complaints.

To make his point, Bassoff held up an American flag and tore up a copy of the ordinance, describing it as a violation of the public’s right to petition the government for grievances as enshrined in the First Amendment. “I’m holding up an American flag to represent constitutional values,” he said, adding, “If you get sued, you will lose.”

Bassoff’s display drew applause from other attendees, but Patel quickly intervened. Declaring the flag a “prop,” Patel instructed officers to remove Bassoff from the meeting, stating, “He is in violation; he can be removed.” The meeting was recessed for five minutes as Bassoff was escorted out.

The council’s handling of Bassoff and the broader push to restrict public input drew sharp criticism from many residents. Maryann Hennessey, a local speaker, called the decision to label the flag and Constitution as props “an insult to what the flag stands for and what this country is.”

Sue Malone-Barber, another resident, denounced the council’s efforts as “ludicrous, rude, and juvenile,” arguing that such measures only exacerbate tensions. “Residents won’t forget how they were made to feel and how things were handled,” she warned. “Flags—really a prop? Are you going to throw me out?”

Others questioned the fairness of the proposed rules, pointing out that council members themselves are not subject to time limits on their speeches. The disparity, critics say, underscores a troubling trend of elected officials prioritizing their authority over accountability.

Patel defended the ordinance, asserting that props disrupt decorum and undermine the council’s ability to conduct orderly meetings. “Any props will be considered not conducive to good order, and as the president, I am making that call,” he said.

The ordinance does not explicitly mention the U.S. flag or Constitution, but Patel’s broad interpretation of the rule has sparked widespread criticism. Opponents argue that the council’s crackdown targets symbolic expressions that are integral to free speech and democratic engagement.

Edison’s town council meetings have earned a reputation for unpredictability, with some sessions devolving into theatrics. According to local reports, an October meeting featured attendees dressed in masks, costumes, and even a full cannabis-themed outfit.

However, many residents argue that these disruptions are the actions of a small minority and should not justify sweeping restrictions on public participation. “This is a handful of disruptive individuals,” one speaker told local media, emphasizing that the majority of attendees come to address legitimate concerns.

Bassoff’s ejection has fueled a broader conversation about the role of public input in local governance. The First Amendment guarantees citizens the right to petition their government, and Bassoff’s supporters argue that his actions were a legitimate exercise of this right.

“Elected officials don’t want to be answerable to the public unless it’s election season,” one resident remarked. “Anything more, and they’d just rather not be bothered.”

The incident has garnered significant attention online, with a video of Bassoff’s removal shared by the @EndWokeness account receiving over 432,000 views within 24 hours. The widespread interest highlights the tension between local governance and public accountability in the digital age.

As Edison residents continue to voice their opposition to the ordinance, the council faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach. Whether the town opts to amend or rescind the proposed restrictions will likely depend on how the backlash unfolds.

For now, the controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of balancing order and openness in public forums. At its core, the debate underscores a simple yet vital question: How far should local officials go to regulate public discourse before they undermine the very democratic principles they’re sworn to uphold?