Chaos During Public Comment Leads to Arrest of Former Cranford Township Committee Candidate

A disruption during public comment at Tuesday's Cranford Township Committee meeting resulted in the arrest of former Township Committee candidate Will Thilly on multiple charges.

According to a police news release issued Wednesday, Thilly activated a prohibited portable speaker after his five-minute public comment period had expired, despite being instructed not to do so. He ignored repeated requests from Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and police officers to stop using the speaker and leave the meeting. Officers attempted to escort him from the chambers. Police allege that during that process, Thilly deliberately fell to the ground, causing an officer to suffer a knee injury that required evaluation at a local hospital.

Union County Life is reporting on this government meeting incident. While in custody, Thilly reported not feeling well and was evaluated by emergency medical personnel.

Following review by the Union County Prosecutor's Office, Thilly was charged with third-degree aggravated assault on a police officer, disrupting a public meeting, obstructing the administration of law, and resisting arrest. He was released on his own recognizance pending a future appearance in Superior Court.

Mayor Miller Prunty addressed the pattern of disruptions at recent meetings. "These disruptions have been going on since last year and I am concerned the behavior of a few has escalated to the point where residents do not feel safe at Township Meetings and that their concerns and ideas are being drowned out by the antics," she said.

Miller Prunty noted that residents remain free to express themselves during Township Committee meetings, provided they follow the township's content-neutral meeting rules. Those rules prohibit amplification devices such as portable speakers and bullhorns, limit public comments to five minutes, and allow signs and props so long as they do not obstruct the meeting or other attendees. Individuals who refuse repeated requests to comply with the rules may be removed.

According to township video recording, the evening's public comment period included theatrical demonstrations, including one speaker who carried a bong-shaped prop and sang during his time. Thilly approached the lectern holding a sign reading "Refuse Govt Abuse." He opened his five-minute period by singing before speaking about what he described as a lack of government transparency. As his time expired, he resumed singing and continued speaking after Miller Prunty advised him that his comment period had ended.

The video shows the mayor repeatedly directing Thilly to conclude his remarks. When he refused to yield the floor, the Township Committee voted to recess the meeting.

Police Chief Matthew R. Nazzaro said the department supports residents' right to speak during public meetings but emphasized that right has limits. "The Cranford Police Department has been dedicated to ensuring that our community can express themselves freely during the public comment portion of meetings. However, it's crucial to understand that freedom of speech does not equate to freedom from consequences, especially when an officer is injured in the course of his duties," Nazzaro said.

Tuesday's incident is the latest in a series of contentious Township Committee meetings involving Thilly. Earlier this year, he filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Township of Cranford, the Township Committee, and several township officials, alleging his constitutional rights were violated during previous public meetings. The township has denied the allegations, maintaining that all residents are permitted to speak during public comment as long as they comply with meeting rules.

TAPinto Cranford contacted Thilly following the meeting, but he declined to comment, citing advice from his criminal defense attorney not to discuss the matter while the case is pending.

For more information about Cranford government meetings and procedures, stay informed on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What happened at Tuesday's Cranford Township Committee meeting?
A: A disruption occurred during public comment when resident and former Township Committee candidate Will Thilly allegedly used a prohibited portable speaker after his five-minute comment period had expired. When officers attempted to escort him from the meeting, police allege he deliberately fell to the ground, causing an officer to suffer a knee injury.

Q: What charges was Thilly charged with?
A: Following review by the Union County Prosecutor's Office, Thilly was charged with third-degree aggravated assault on a police officer, disrupting a public meeting, obstructing the administration of law, and resisting arrest.

Q: Was Thilly arrested?
A: Yes. After being charged, he was released on his own recognizance pending a future appearance in Superior Court.

Q: What are Cranford's public meeting rules?
A: Township rules prohibit amplification devices such as portable speakers and bullhorns, limit public comments to five minutes, and allow signs and props as long as they do not obstruct the meeting or other attendees. Individuals who refuse repeated requests to comply may be removed.

Q: What did Mayor Miller Prunty say about the disruptions?
A: Miller Prunty stated: "These disruptions have been going on since last year and I am concerned the behavior of a few has escalated to the point where residents do not feel safe at Township Meetings and that their concerns and ideas are being drowned out by the antics."

Q: Has Thilly had prior disputes with the township?
A: Yes. Earlier this year, Thilly filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Township of Cranford, the Township Committee, and several township officials, alleging his constitutional rights were violated during previous public meetings. The township has denied the allegations.