What happened: A Palm Beach County commissioner told a veteran he was “embarrassing” his uniform, deputies removed residents from the chambers and a human rights attorney was taken into custody as a budget hearing erupted over the county’s $1 billion investment in Israel Bonds.
Background: The arrest report says a deputy had to “forcefully move” attorney Noura Erakat from the Governmental Center and accused her of trying to “incite the riot” by yelling toward the crowd. Erakat was charged only with misdemeanor trespassing.
The confrontation began when a man wearing an Air Force uniform identified himself as a county resident of more than 50 years who had deployed four times. “I strongly oppose extending the Israeli Bond investment,” he told commissioners.
County officials responded that the bonds were not part of Tuesday night’s budget discussion and that commissioners were not setting investment policy. “There is nothing in our budget that lays out anything to do with Israel Bonds,” County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said.
“You are not setting investment policy today whatsoever.” When the veteran asked when the issue could be discussed, County Mayor Sara Baxter gave him a final warning and ordered deputies to remove him. As he was escorted from the chambers, Commissioner Joel Flores told him, “You’re embarrassing that uniform, sir.” The remark drew shouting from the crowd, and commissioners recessed the meeting.
Baxter had limited speakers to one minute, restricted comments to county residents and warned that disruptions, including applause, could lead to removal.
The available details are limited to the information verified at publication time. Readers should expect updates as the matter develops.
Any person identified in connection with an alleged offense is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: official sources including CBS12 News.
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