Story perspectives
Mayor Bianchini Threatens Critic After Oct. 21 Lunging Incident
By Drooid · · How we work
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Story summary
- Mayor Matthew Bianchini lunged at critic Michael Sawma on Oct. 21, 2026.
- Councilman Perry Doyle Jr. and director Kenneth Gerber restrained Bianchini while he shouted threats.
- Sawma flipped Bianchini off and demanded his resignation and charges.
- Bianchini said his actions were justified, would repeat them, apologized, claiming Sawma harassed his family.
- Pemberton police were aware but filed no charges; Bianchini seeks re-election against Democrat Belinda Fontanez and candidate Dan Dewey.