Texas city council debate turns physical, police intervene

A city council debate in Texas was cut short earlier this week after organizers and police had to physically intervene to separate two of the candidates.

The Context

District 8 incumbent council member Chris Nettles and his opponent, Payton Jackson, had to be physically separated during the interaction at a debate between two candidates for Fort Worth City Council. It took place before the council elections next month.

Newsweek contacted the District 8 council for comment via email outside of regular working hours.

What To Know

The altercation occurred after Jackson mentioned a civil lawsuit against Nettles, alleging he conspired with her landlord to disclose confidential details from her lease agreement, according to a report by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Nettles denied the claims.

Approximately 100 people attended the debate, which took place in the gymnasium of the Bethlehem Center at 951 Evans Avenue and was organized by the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association.

The exchange began when moderators asked the candidates which neighborhood in the district they lived in.

Jackson, seated to Nettles’ left, used the moment to raise the lawsuit, walking over to Nettles and placing the legal document on his table. Nettles initially looked away, but stood up as Jackson remained by his table. The two pointed fingers at each other until Nettles turned away.

Jackson then placed her left hand on Nettles’ shoulder, appearing to push him, at which point he swatted her hand away. They are seen being separated by other attendees at the meeting, and police officers then stepped in to separate the candidates, according to the Star-Telegram.

According to a report by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Jackson is a former member of Nettles’ campaign staff.

What People Are Saying

Chris Nettles said after the incident, according to a report by Fox 4 News: “I think I acted appropriately by standing up. As she approached me, then I stand up and to protect myself and make sure she doesn’t do anything while I’m sitting down. I think it’s good to have a good debate, a good conversation, but violence is not the answer.”

Payton Jackson said: “He stands up, starts antagonizing me as you can see on the video I walk up to his table. My hands are behind my back. He pushes me and I retaliate. I would never put my hands on anyone, let alone a public official.

“These debates, these forums, they get heated, but I never touched him initially, he touched me first. If I’m in your personal space and you really feel in danger back up, back up. I would never put my hands on anybody, not initially.”

What’s Next

Nettles and Jackson are set to attend another public forum before the Fort Worth City Council elections take place on May 3.