Embattled Mayor Tiffany Henyard and several of her associates were named in a federal lawsuit stemming from a brawl that took place at the January Thornton Township board meeting.
Lavell Redmond and Jedidiah Brown filed lawsuits which alledge the aggressive action taken by Henyard and her crew comprise retaliation for Brown exercising his right to speech.
Brown, a respected community activist, spoke during public comment. After his words, Henyard’s boyfriend, Kamal Woods, along with a number of his associates, assualted Brown. As Woods approached Brown, Redmond stepped up in effort to prevent violence.
Woods was apparently angered by Brown exercising his right to speak and criticism of Henyard. He can be seen striking both Redmond and Brown.
Henyard can also be seen running into the melee in video of the incident. Both lawsuits allege that Henyard struck both Brown and Redmond with her microphone intended to be used only for conducting the meeting.