Committee Critic 'Deliberately Fell' After Removal From Cranford Meeting, Police Say

CRANFORD, NJ — A Cranford Township Committee critic who previously made headlines for protesting high property taxes with a dance routine at a public meeting deliberately fell to the ground while officers were removing him from Tuesday night's meeting, injuring an officer in the process, according to the Cranford Police Department.

William "Will" Thilly, 52, of Cranford, was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, disrupting a public meeting, resisting arrest and obstructing the administration of law, police said.

According to police, Thilly refused repeated requests to stop speaking after his five minutes of public comment expired and continued using a portable speaker that was prohibited inside the meeting room.

Police said officers then attempted to escort Thilly from the Township Committee meeting after he refused to leave.

While officers were removing him, Thilly deliberately fell to the ground, causing an officer to injure his knee, according to police. The officer was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Police also said Thilly reported feeling ill while in custody and was evaluated by emergency medical personnel.

Thilly has become a familiar presence at Township Committee meetings in recent years.

Last year, he made headlines after performing a silent breakdance and robot dance during public comment to protest rising property taxes. He also ran in this year's Democratic primary for Township Committee.

Tuesday's incident began after Thilly approached the podium holding a sign reading, "Refuse a government abuse," while criticizing what he described as government overreach, police said.

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

Police said Thilly ignored repeated requests to stop speaking and continued using the speaker after being told his time had ended.

The Township Committee then voted to recess the meeting while officers escorted Thilly from the room.

Earlier in the evening, another speaker identifying himself as "Bong Holio" approached the podium carrying a bong prop and sang a Lizzo song during public comment.

After the meeting resumed, resident Leon Truth criticized how township officials handled the incident, describing Thilly as "creative" and "courageous" before repeatedly chanting, "Free Will Thilly."

Additional interruptions later in the meeting prompted the Township Committee to take a second recess before returning to complete the agenda.

Following the meeting, Miller Prunty said the disruptions reflected an ongoing 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.

She said residents are encouraged to participate in meetings but must also follow the township's public comment rules.

"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."

In a statement released Wednesday, Cranford Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro said the department supports residents' right to speak during public meetings but will intervene when conduct becomes disruptive.

"The Cranford Police Department has been dedicated to ensuring that our community can express themselves freely during the public comment portion of meetings," Nazzaro said. "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."