MATTHEWS, N.C. — Multiple people spoke unfounded and degrading claims against multiple demographic groups at the Matthews Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night. Some of the language was discriminatory against people of the Jewish faith.
At this time, it's not known if the speeches during the public comment section were coordinated. It lasted for nearly 30 minutes and included debates between commissioners on whether the speakers' microphones should be turned off. Some commissioners argued public comment speeches are free speech protected by the First Amendment.
The meeting eventually resumed in-person and virtually, where it was being live-streamed on YouTube.
Late the following afternoon, the town of Matthews released a statement addressing what occurred during the meeting.
"Several individuals caused a disruption by spewing reprehensible hate speech that was anti-semitic, homophobic, racist, and sexist," the statement reads in part. "These individuals participated via the Zoom option and did not show their faces and presumably used fake names."
The town of Matthews called the incident "zoom bombing" and indicated similar actions have been observed at other public meetings across the country.
"The Matthews Town Board was required to allow the comments to continue because members of the public are permitted to comment on any topic during the public comment portion of the meeting," the statement continues. "The words spoken during the public comment period were also protected as free speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“I regret the extremely unfortunate incident that interrupted the meeting last evening and I extend my apologies to anyone who was subjected to it including Town staff and meeting attendees,” John Higdon, the mayor of Matthews, says in the released statement. “While I support the protection of free speech under the First Amendment, I also condemn the hateful and offensive words used. They are completely at odds with the welcoming, inclusive community we wish to have in Matthews.”
Higdon was traveling on business at the time of the meeting and did not attend. Instead, Gina Hoover, the mayor pro tem, was presiding over the meeting.
“What we heard was disgusting and my heart broke for those who had to sit and listen to it," Hoover writes in the statement. "I would have loved to shut it down, but we have to stand by the Constitution and allow them their right to speak. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was affected by this deeply upsetting event."
The town of Matthews allows five minutes for each public comment. Town policy prohibits the muting of microphones before the five minutes have ended.
The Matthews Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on March 5 to discuss possible methods for public participation during future meetings.
Following the meeting, some members of the local Jewish community members have spoken out.
Bentzion Groner, owner of Zabs Place in Matthews said, this event has him searching for the positives. Groner, who is also a rabbi, said he wants to spread the light. It's indicative of both his faith and business, which is a consignment store focused on hiring people who might also be overlooked.
“Judaism we believe that every single person was created with unique purpose and potential," Groner said. "When it comes to individuals who have special needs, it’s sometimes harder for people to appreciate the value of what they bring."
He said that lately he's had to find the light through the darkness.
He said that's a chance for positivity to catch and he hopes it glows much larger and brighter.
“I think being proud of who we are, being proud of our identity... is how we create a beautiful community," he said.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.