EDISON, N.J. — A heated confrontation unfolded at an Edison Township Council meeting this week as police removed a man holding an American flag after council leadership ruled it violated meeting decorum. The incident has triggered widespread backlash, with critics claiming it infringes on free speech.
It’s all starting to make sense now.
The township’s legal counsel, Michael R. Burns, a partner in Rainone Coughlin Minchello—a law firm co-owned by New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D)—has not publicly commented on the incident, but it was Burns who explained why police were ordered to remove the man with the flag.
Joel Bassoff, a local lawyer, was escorted out of the meeting by police after refusing to put away the small flag during his remarks at the public comment session. Council President Nishith Patel warned Bassoff that his display of the flag violated council rules prohibiting the use of “props,” a policy that also bans items such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bible during public statements.
“I’m going to give you a warning; if you continue, you’ll have to forfeit your time,” Patel said before calling for police to intervene. The man received applause from other attendees as officers escorted him from the chamber. The council briefly recessed for five minutes following the ejection.
The policy, which critics say suppresses expression, has been a source of contention in the township. Local reports highlighted a similar protest in October, where residents mocked the council’s rules by wearing costumes, masks, and other symbolic items during public sessions.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local and state political figures. Former congressional candidate Mike Crispi decried the council’s actions on social media, claiming the ban specifically targets the American flag. “I DEMAND Edison is defunded from receiving any state aid until this garbage is overturned,” Crispi wrote, promising to lead a future protest.
The controversy has also sparked calls for a demonstration at the council’s next meeting. The New Jersey Republican Party posted on X, “Democrats in Edison, NJ have banned the American Flag, the U.S. Constitution, and other ‘props’ from their Council Meetings. The next meeting is December 11th at 7:00pm. We hope to see you there!”
The council’s policy on public speaking decorum remains under scrutiny as critics and local leaders prepare for the next round of public debate.