Democrat Kisha Skipper was handcuffed after a bathroom brawl with her GOP opponent’s mother at a Yonkers forum, conduct her rival says disqualifies her from office.
A Wednesday night candidates forum in Yonkers turned physical when Democratic contender Kisha Skipper got into a restroom scuffle with Donna Nolan, the mother of her Republican opponent. Skipper was handcuffed and detained by police afterward, while Donna Nolan left by ambulance.
The New York Post reported the clash at the Beczak Environmental Center, where Skipper is trying to unseat GOP Westchester County Legislator James Nolan. Mobile phone video captured several women confronting each other at the restroom entrance before attendees pulled them apart.
Local outlet Black Westchester described how the incident began. During the debate, Skipper was asked about alleged questionable campaign donations. She took a bathroom break without answering. Donna Nolan and another woman allegedly followed her inside. An argument broke out. Then punches started flying.
Skipper posted early the next morning from a hospital emergency room entrance, wearing a sling on her arm. She pushed back on circulating video and claims about the night.
In her Facebook post, Skipper said:
"Let me just say, I know there’s a lot of video, a lot of misinformation being spread,"
She added:
"No, I was not arrested. Yes, I was detained pending an investigation. Of course, I was released, and there will be more information forthcoming."
Yonkers police handcuffed and held her after the scuffle. On Thursday, the department did not immediately respond to requests for information. No public details were available on charges, if any, or on what injuries Donna Nolan may have sustained.
James Nolan addressed the episode on Instagram. He did not hold back about the standard he expects from anyone seeking office.
Nolan wrote:
"There is absolutely no justification for violence,"
He continued that anyone seeking public office must show sound judgment and self-control, and handle confrontation without physical aggression. “These standards are not optional,” he said. He closed with a direct judgment on his opponent:
"This is a clear example of why she is not fit to serve public office."
Voters in Westchester County now have a simple record in front of them. A candidates forum meant for debate ended with a bathroom fight, a handcuffing, an ambulance, and a sling. The unanswered donation questions that preceded the break only add to the mess.
Campaigns test temperament under pressure. When the pressure produces a restroom brawl instead of answers, the public is entitled to notice, and to decide accordingly.
