Tiffany Henyard releases statement after fight breaks out at Thornton Township meeting

Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard has released a statement following a fight that erupted at a meeting Tuesday night.

What we know:

According to those present, Henyard’s boyfriend confronted the activist, Jedidiah Brown, leading to an altercation. Henyard reportedly pushed her table aside and ran to the back of the room, allegedly joining the brawl.

Police were on the scene as the situation unfolded, but no arrests were made. 

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What they're saying:

Beau B. Brindley, Henyard's attorney, released the following statement on her behalf.

"In the face of endless false accusations and outright lies about Mayor Henyard that are being trafficked on social media by her political enemies, it is unsurprising that violence erupted.  In the social media age, unchecked falsehoods lead to misplaced tension and aggression. This episode shows that the campaign of false information about the mayor puts her and others in danger."

Local officials decry 'disgraceful behavior'

What they're saying:

The fight elicited condemnation from at least one local official, Calumet City Alderwoman Monet S. Wilson.

"What should have been a space for governance was turned into a battleground of aggression – both physical and verbal – fueled by misinformation, corruption, and reckless political warfare," Wilson said in a lengthy statement. "This disgraceful behavior is not just unacceptable; it is a direct threat to our democracy and public safety."

Wilson even went as far to say that children should no longer attend Thornton Township meetings.

In a statement, Thornton Township Trustees Christopher Gonzalez, Stephanie Wiedeman and Carmen Carlisle said they were "deeply disturbed by the events that transpired during last night's board meeting. As public officials, we are entrusted with leading through professionalism, integrity, and respect. What began as a productive discussion on critical community matters descended into chaos and violence, behavior that has no place in Thornton Township and will not be tolerated."

The fight elicited condemnation from at least one local official, Calumet City Alderwoman Monet S. Wilson.

"What should have been a space for governance was turned into a battleground of aggression – both physical and verbal – fueled by misinformation, corruption, and reckless political warfare," Wilson said in a lengthy statement. "This disgraceful behavior is not just unacceptable; it is a direct threat to our democracy and public safety."

Wilson even went as far to say that children should no longer attend Thornton Township meetings.

In a statement, Thornton Township Trustees Christopher Gonzalez, Stephanie Wiedeman and Carmen Carlisle said they were "deeply disturbed by the events that transpired during last night's board meeting. As public officials, we are entrusted with leading through professionalism, integrity, and respect. What began as a productive discussion on critical community matters descended into chaos and violence, behavior that has no place in Thornton Township and will not be tolerated."

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The backstory:

The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Henyard, who also serves as the mayor of Dolton. On Monday, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot presented findings from an investigation into Henyard’s alleged misuse of funds.

Additionally, a Cook County judge recently ruled that Henyard’s name will not appear on the ballot for the upcoming Thornton Township supervisor election. The judge dismissed her lawsuit challenging the nomination of State Sen. Napoleon Harris as the Democratic candidate. Voters will still have the option to write in Henyard’s name.

The Source: The information in this story was provided via statements from Tiffany Henyard, Thornton Township, Village of Dolton and other south suburban officials.

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