Drama Unfolds at Yonkers Candidates Forum
In a surprising turn of events, a candidates forum in Yonkers on Wednesday night turned chaotic when Kisha Skipper, a Democratic candidate vying for a county legislative seat, got into a physical altercation with her opponent’s mother.
Skipper, who is challenging GOP Westchester County Legislator James Nolan, found herself handcuffed and temporarily detained by the police following the incident at the Beczak Environmental Center, according to multiple reports.
In response to the brawl, Nolan took to Instagram to condemn the violence. He stated that “there is absolutely no justification for violence” and emphasized that individuals who seek public office should exhibit good judgment and self-control, particularly under confrontation. He further asserted that such standards should be non-negotiable, calling the incident a clear demonstration of Skipper’s unsuitability for public service.
Meanwhile, the Yonkers police had not responded to requests for comment by Thursday morning.
Skipper herself addressed the situation in an early-morning Facebook post, appearing outside a hospital emergency room with her arm in a sling. She noted that there was a great deal of misinformation circulating about the incident. “No, I was not arrested,” she clarified. “Yes, I was detained pending an investigation. Of course, I was released, and there will be more information forthcoming.”
The altercation reportedly broke out during a break in the forum, after a heated exchange between Skipper and Donna Nolan, the mother of her opponent. Eyewitness accounts suggest that tensions escalated quickly, resulting in punches being thrown.
According to local media, the confrontation began when Skipper was questioned about suspicious campaign donations but chose to step away for a bathroom break. Donna Nolan and another woman allegedly followed her into the restroom.
Video footage captures the chaotic scene, showing multiple women confronting each other at the bathroom entrance before other event attendees intervened to separate them.
Following the incident, Donna Nolan was transported to the hospital by ambulance. However, details regarding any injuries remain unclear.
