New Jersey mayor admits he 'snapped' after charging at a critic and being restrained during a chaotic council meeting

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 October 2026 · last updated 24 October 2026.

Pemberton Township's Republican mayor Matthew Bianchini, 59, shouted 'I am f****** getting you' at resident Michael Sawka at Wednesday night's meeting. Sawka, a vocal critic, told him 'You should resign', and the mayor lunged again before three men held him back. Bianchini later told WPVI 'That was wrong' and insisted 'I'm not gonna get anybody.' Sawka wants police to arrest the mayor for assault.

Footage shows Sawka flipping the mayor off seconds before he leapt from his seat.

Bianchini's family claim Sawka made rude comments towards the mayor's wife.

The unrepentant mayor added: 'I hate to put it this way, but it's a long time coming.'