Pemberton Township Mayor Matthew Bianchini charged at a resident during a public council meeting Wednesday night and had to be physically restrained as he shouted threats at the man, according to video of the incident and local reporting by WPVI-TV.
The resident, Michael Sawka, a vocal critic of the mayor, was gestured toward by Bianchini before the Republican official lunged at him. Several people in the room intervened and pulled Bianchini back.
“I’m getting you,” Bianchini shouted, according to the video.
As he was being removed from the confrontation, Bianchini continued shouting threats and profanity at Sawka.
The clash occurred while a recently fired township employee was addressing the council. Bianchini and members of his family told WPVI that Sawka and another resident had directed rude comments 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 charged at him.
Sawka disputes 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.
Mayor Admits He ‘Snapped’
After the meeting, Bianchini acknowledged losing his temper but defended his actions as provoked.
“I just basically snapped,” Bianchini told WPVI. “I hate to put it this way, but it’s a long time coming.”
He also conceded that some of what he said was out of line. “I should not have said that,” he told the station. “That was wrong. It was in the heat of the moment. I’m not gonna get anybody.”
Yet Bianchini also stood by his decision to confront Sawka directly, framing it as a response to perceived attacks on his family.
“Was it wrong? Absolutely. Was it justified? Absolutely. And I would do it again if I had to,” Bianchini said. “Don’t attack my family.”
Legal and Political Fallout
Sawka filed a municipal court complaint Thursday seeking assault and terroristic threats charges against the mayor, WPVI reported. Police have not said whether they will pursue charges.
The Pemberton Township Democratic Club responded to the confrontation, saying the township deserves leaders who can “stay composed and professional,” and it encouraged residents to turn out for the upcoming election, in which Bianchini is seeking to retain his seat.
Fox News Digital reported that it had reached out to both Pemberton Township police and the mayor’s office for comment.
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