A candidates’ forum in Yonkers, New York, turned chaotic Wednesday night when a Democratic legislative candidate was briefly detained by police following a physical altercation that sent two women to the hospital.
Kisha Skipper, who is challenging Republican incumbent James Nolan for a seat representing Westchester County Legislature’s 15th District and serves as president of the Yonkers NAACP, was attending the forum at the Beczak Environmental Education Center when she was confronted by Stephanie Holguin, a former campaign worker. Holguin says Skipper owes her $2,000 from past campaign work. Skipper denies owing the money.
The dispute moved into a nearby bathroom, where cellphone video captured the confrontation. Nolan’s mother, Donna, entered the restroom while the two women were arguing.
Accounts of what happened next diverge sharply. Skipper says she asked the other two women to let her leave twice before trying to open the door herself.
“I asked them to excuse me twice and then proceeded to try and open the door to try and get out of the restroom,” Skipper told a local news outlet. “I was assaulted.”
James Nolan offered a different account, saying his mother entered the bathroom to try to de-escalate the situation and that Skipper attacked her.
“There is absolutely no justification for violence,” Nolan said. “Anyone seeking public office is expected to demonstrate sound judgment, self-control, and the ability to handle confrontation without resorting to physical aggression.”
The Yonkers Police Department said what began as a verbal dispute between Skipper and Holguin “escalated into a physical confrontation,” during which Nolan’s mother “reportedly attempted to intervene.” Donna Nolan suffered what police described as “an abrasion to her lip” and was treated and released from a local hospital. Skipper was also treated at a hospital for what police called “a complaint of pain sustained during the incident.”
Skipper was handcuffed and taken from the building in a police vehicle. Police say she was brought to the station for questioning and later released without charges. Detectives continue to interview witnesses and review video footage as the investigation remains open.
The incident comes just days before voters in the district decide between Skipper and Nolan.
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