Former Committee Candidate Arrested At Cranford Meeting: Court Record

CRANFORD, NJ — A longtime critic was arrested at the Cranford Township Committee meeting on Tuesday after he refused to stop speaking during public comment, court records show.

Will Thilly, who ran for Cranford Township Committee in this year's Democratic primary, has been charged with aggravated assault with bodily injury on a law enforcement officer, according to court records.

Thilly was one of three Democratic candidates who sought the party's nomination in June's primary election, along with incumbent Paul A. Gallo and Susan Burke.

He also made headlines last year for protesting taxes through dance. See Patch's previous coverage on his 2025 protest.

Details about what Thilly is accused of doing to the officer were not immediately available.

The arrest occurred outside the Township Committee meeting room after Thilly was removed from the meeting.

The incident happened after another speaker, who approached the podium using the name "Bong Holio," carried a bong prop and sang a Lizzo song as part of his public comments.

A short time later, Thilly stepped to the microphone holding a sign reading "Refuse a government abuse" while criticizing what he described as government overreach.

When his five minutes of public comment expired, Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty repeatedly instructed Thilly to stop speaking and turn off his portable sound system.

"Mr. Thilly, turn off the sound system," Miller Prunty said. "That's a first warning. Your time has expired, sir."

Thilly continued speaking despite the warnings as the exchange with the mayor continued for several minutes.

The Township Committee then voted to recess the meeting, and Thilly was removed from the meeting.

After officials returned from the recess, interruptions continued during public comment.

Leon Truth used his speaking time to criticize how the situation had been handled, describing Thilly as "creative" and "courageous."

Truth also read a parody poem aimed at the Township Committee before ending his remarks by repeatedly chanting, "Free Will Thilly."

Later in the meeting, audience members again interrupted commissioner reports.

Diana Senn repeatedly called out, "Point of order!" while attempting to speak after public comment had already closed.

Miller Prunty reminded those in attendance that public comment had ended and repeatedly asked audience members to stop interrupting the meeting.

As the interruptions continued, the Township Committee voted to take a second recess before eventually returning to complete the meeting.

Following the meeting, Miller Prunty said the disruptions seen Tuesday were part of a larger issue that has continued for months.

"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," Miller Prunty said in a statement Thursday.

The mayor said residents have the right to participate in meetings, including speaking, recording and expressing their views, but said there are rules in place to allow meetings to continue.

"Everyone has the right to speak, sing, dance and record our meetings and no one has ever been denied that opportunity," Miller Prunty said. "However, being continuously disruptive, combative and infringing on others right to speak or listen will not be tolerated."

Miller Prunty said meeting protocols include five-minute limits for speakers and restrictions on certain items, including loud speakers, sound systems and bullhorns. She said individuals who violate the rules are given warnings and may be removed if they continue disruptive behavior.

"As elected officials we have a responsibility to make sure everyone at meetings, our staff and the public, are safe and we will do just that," Miller Prunty said.