Crime

Florida Mayor Knocked Out by Angry Resident During Town Hall

It’s unclear whether the mayor of Windermere, FL was punched or pushed, but what is clear is that he was left unconscious after a fracas at a town hall meeting.

WFTS reports:

Officials say it not clear whether Mayor Gary Bruhn fell or was pushed Tuesday night as he exchanged words with Roland Bernier. But he crashed into a table and fell to the floor, where he was briefly unconscious.

The confrontation came after the mayor questioned [city manager] Cecilia Bernier’s management abilities, blaming her for a police scandal among other things.

That‘s when officials say Roland Bernier came to the podium and made accusations about the mayor’s private life.

Bruhn was taken to a hospital in Ocoee. There was no word on his condition.

The accusations levied by the manager’s husband included drunk driving and marital infidelity:

Comments (106)

  • Ashrak
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:04am

    Mainstream media often plays the “name that party” game. Blaze staff, please consider identifying all politicians in the same way, always, in every story. I realize that isn’t really related to this story in anything but a tangential way, but it is stories like this that the MSM uses to justify the game they play in protecting a certain party by not identifying the party.

    Just a thought.

    Report Post » Ashrak  
    • Romulis
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 4:26pm

      Does party really matter anymore? Both the Democrats and Republicans are both members of the “Big Government” Party. Seldom to “Small Government” Party candidates get any serious endorsement as they are deemed “nonviable”. Pure BS. They are MADE nonviable by the establishment.

      Rather than identify people by party…let’s just identify them by their voting record and stance on the issues. And really..there are then only two categories. Those who value freedom. And those who would enslave us all.

      Report Post »  
  • jordy2010
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:00am

    Roland Bernier??? Encore un hostie de Quebecois!!! Voues etes pires que les negres aux USA

    Report Post » jordy2010  
  • westfayetteville
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:52am

    I thought only the Tea party used violence at town hall meettings. Thats what they will spin it in to

    Report Post » westfayetteville  
  • ares338
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:50am

    Sounds like a local matter.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • TexasStu
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:46am

    Society is failing. We have become Babylon and God will forsake us if we do not change our ways. I have seen this activity in other countries but NEVER here and guess what those countries are no longer. It is really sad and is breaking my heart. Pray that we find a better path and soon.

    Report Post » TexasStu  
  • Uncle Sambo
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:46am

    I’ve been to Winy Dink Florida. I stayed there for about a month. Not much there but a small town pig force trying to enrich itself on the backs of Disney employees trying to use Windy Dink as a shortcut between Apoka Vineland Bolivar and the Butler Chain of lakes.

    Windy Dink City Limits.
    You got to keep an eye out for the pigs when driving through Windy Dink.

    Report Post »  
  • larman
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:29am

    Ive seen this kind of rhetoric….

    Report Post » larman  
  • JollyBob
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:21am

    I mean with all that golfing and jet-setting on vacation, and the obsolete media busy brain-storming how to put a good face on it, I guess the “civility” message kinda got lost……hmmmmm

    Report Post »  
  • 3rd Eye
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:20am

    I agree with Rational Man, where are the R‘s and D’s?????????

    Report Post » 3rd Eye  
    • jharper
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:10am

      They never mention the R‘s and D’s when the D’s are the offenders….NEVER!

      Report Post »  
    • cemerius
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:25am

      Just some friendly disagreement with who is more liberal

      Report Post » cemerius  
  • voted against carter
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:20am

    Can we say concealed carry?

    I highly recommend it.

    Just say’n.

    Report Post »  
  • JollyBob
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:17am

    With all that golfing and vacationing, and the obsolete trying to brainstorm justifying it, the message of civility kinda got lost…….hmmmmmm

    Report Post »  
  • Tickdog
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:16am

    i hate to tell you this but i doubt you can vote them out. to many of them now..

    Report Post » Tickdog  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:15am

    It is going to be so hard for us to know when to speak and when to walk away. That is why we must, I repeat, MUST rely on GOD. HE promises us HE will tell us when to speak and what to say IF we follow HIM, not on occasion, but always in all ways.
    I continue praying for the redemption of the United States of America, and for GOD’s kids.
    Keep looking up, guys. HE IS coming for HIS own and soon.
    GOD BLESS AND PROTECT.

    Report Post »  
  • JollyBob
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:14am

    Well…..you probably guessed it with the lack of denoting party affiliation……

    Mayor republican…….and drum-roll please……City Manager/husband….Democrat……

    I guess her husband is not listening to the obsolete media and their fearless over-burdened leader….

    Report Post »  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:13am

    Many of the civic leaders in my town are unconscious a good deal of the time also. That’s what we get for not looking into their character before voting.

    Report Post »  
  • JoeAverage
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:10am

    Was the mayor right in ripping the manager? Someone thought he was wrong.

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:10am

    Interesting, that when it happens between politicians, we think it’s about money. I think that the mayor embarrassed the woman, and her husband thought he was coming to her defense. Not that I am condoning the behavior of anybody in the situation, and they both need to be put out of office, provided the accusations they both spouted prove to be true.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:08am

    why do we resort to violence? this is insanity

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • shellmen
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:57am

    Do I have this right the city managers husband went after the mayor after she was accused of wrong doing? If this is the case then this was not a thing that just got out of hand it was a case of someone trying to protect their turf just like liberals do EVERYDAY. Could it be that he did not want to loose the money his wife brings in and resorted to violence.

    Report Post »  
  • raderby
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:54am

    I heard a figure last week. Something like 500,000 elected officials in this country, from fed to local? Can’t we do with less? Our electroids do not do any good, anyway, for the most part, do they?

    Report Post » raderby  
    • vennoye
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:53am

      Too many of them, and it is beginning to appear that 490,000 were either corrupt when they were elected, or have become corrupt with the power they wield in office.

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • Dannytheman
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:51am

    You disrespect a mans wife? In a public meeting? Sometimes people get what they deserve!

    Report Post » Dannytheman  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:02am

      Hey Danny, if the story is factual, the mayor questioned Cecilia Bernier’s management abilities, blaming her for a police scandal among other things. Sounds like typical government sniping, not really based on gender or personality. If a woman wants to play the game, she has to expect to play by the same rules the men do. If Hillary got to be president, would Bill try to kick everyone’s behind that criticized her?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • sodacrackers2
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:33pm

      The Mayor did not disrespect a man’s wife; he called out an employee for not doing her job. We should not be worrying about being “disrespected” but about being respectful.

      Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:49am

    This is sad.

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • Frederick
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:48am

    Vote them out dont punch out haha

    Report Post » Frederick  
    • cemerius
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:28am

      Some are impossible to “vote out” TERM LIMITS!

      Report Post » cemerius  
  • ISeeDanger.com
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:47am

    These things are going to start to get BAD. When people feel “helpless”, it often turns to anger. Look around the world.
    http://www.ISeeDanger.com

    Report Post » ISeeDanger.com  
  • Leadthemtothelight
    Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:44am

    Sad. This is not who we are. The time has come for everyone to put anger aside and work together to rescue our crumbling society. Violence is never the answer.

    Leadthemtothelight  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:50am

      I was thinking the same thing Lead, it reminded me of a YouTube video I saw recently. It seems as if we have no structure left in our society. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUA3iQjLH4g

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • mattwakulik
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:50am

      i agree!

      Report Post » mattwakulik  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:57am

      So who are the Rs and who are the Ds in this scuffle? Yes I’m keeping score, hoping my side was not misbehaving.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • IntheKnowOG
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:05am

      Windermere, hometown of Tiger Woods. The OC of Florida. No surprise here.

      Report Post » IntheKnowOG  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:06am

      Look at the median income of 106K in Windermere. This isn’t your usual town, it is an upper crust (at least in their own minds) area outside of Orlando. I wonder if Alan Grayson lives there? That would certainly explain the lack of class.

      Report Post »  
    • Dahart
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:08am

      Read the rest of the story here. This is why the Mayor was a little upset with the City Manager.

      http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/crime/os-daniel-saylor-windermere-charges-20110322,0,2750266.story

      Report Post » Dahart  
    • Drtrey3
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:12am

      I must disagree in part. Violence sometimes is the answer. Rarely, but sometimes. Still, I see no justification for this assault which seems random.

      Report Post »  
    • poohbearwithme
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:29am

      I think this is a case of “wife is about to lose cushy job and benefits” and hubby needs to what he can to save these benefits.

      Report Post »  
    • mrsclark
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:49am

      Didn’t you guys listen to the report? It wasn’t politically motivated. The mayor was calling for someone’s firing and her HUSBAND attacked the mayor. It was personal, not political and certainly not random. The guy who attacked him was a hot head and that’s it.

      Report Post » mrsclark  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:52am

      Let’s give full context to the story:

      The old police chief of Windermere was fired for covering up an investigation of child rape on one of his friends. The Mayor wanted the City Manager fired because overisght of the police falls upon the City Manager.

      That‘s when the City Manager’s husband knocked out the Mayor because he was trying to have her fired.

      All that said, is violence justified in this case? Being that I would also want her fired for ignoring her duties, not even close.

      *That* said, is violence sometimes (if only rarely) justified? Well, to quote a fairly well known source,

      “…that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

      and,

      “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is a natural manure.”

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:00am

      What happened to Roland Bernier.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:11am

      @ Rational Man

      In Florida, local government races are supposed to be non-partisan, so there are a lot of local pols that don’t declare party affifialtion.

      That said, Mayor Keller is a Republican. I researched and can’t find a party affiliation for the Town Manager, Cecilia Bernier.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:51am

      Dahart….thanks for the link………….This story should be about “the cover up” of a child being raped and people being paid off. Every body involved should be fired.

      Report Post » NancyBee  
    • drbage
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:52am

      @Lead and Loven.
      I think part of the problem stems from the fact that society has been indoctrinated to believe that no one can be held personally responsible for their actions, there is always some outside force that caused them to do something.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:54am

      Well, now, if Ms. Bernier‘s career wasn’t over before, it is now.

      One point though, regarding the now arrested Police Chief and the supervision of Ms. Bernier. It is important to remember that when someone sets out to do something illegal, they work to cover their tracks. The perps deceive people in order to get away with the illegal action. Therefore, unless they have compelling evidence otherwise, it is perfectly possible that Ms. Bernier did not know about the sexual assault cover up. She’d be the last person that Saylor would want to have find out BECAUSE she was his supervisor. And don’t forget, Saylor WAS the Chief of Police.

      Other possibilities are that she was the one that tipped the authorities off or may have been contacted by the authorities and told to do nothing while the investigation was being conducted.

      Those are factors that have to be considered, too. Please understand, I am not defending her, merely pointing out that she may not have been involved in the cover up.

      As for her husband, I recommend a year or two in the slammer to cool his jets.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:08am

      O My God,,, There is nothing sadder than two old as death Snowbirds fighting…

      TOOO FUNNY..

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:35am

      Sometimes what you may consider violence I will consider self defense. Violence will be the only way. Please don’t kid yourself. You must prepare fo the fight. It will be brought to your door. Stand firm in the truth and fight without fear. Or at least suport those who will be in the fight so you can sleep nights.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • mavsfan75
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:49am

      Violence is not always the answer and more often than not the wrong one, but anyone who says that violence is never the answer has simply never been asked the right question.

      Report Post » mavsfan75  
    • cemerius
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:22am

      Violence begets Violence….I am tired of the pushing me into a corner crowd and it’s not anger that is making me react but now it is resolve! I vote I keep informed and I know the facts. My family is prepared and aware. I carrry my pocket constitution and I sure do remember my oath as a Marine after 20 years of honest and faithful service.

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:47am

      @ Maulemall
      How is this violence “too funny”? Thinking like that is what encourages others to commit even more violence. It is shameful to see just how far the bar has been lowered for decency in America. Morals and ethics have been thrown out the window, and violence has become a common reaction if you disagree with anyone. People, we cannot dismiss actions like this lightly. They have to be condemned loudly; and if they are not prosecuted, we better scream loudly about that as well.

      Report Post »  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:53am

      restorehope

      If you cant see the funny in it than there is no hope to restore.

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 12:03pm

      @ Maulemall
      How is a man lying on the floor unconscious funny? Civilization is crumbling when this behavior becomes humorous. This is not a situation comedy on tv where the actor gets up, dusts himself off, and moves on to the next scene. This mayor was conducting a meeting, doing his job. The guy that attacked him should be arrested, not commended for providing entertainment. The bar is being lowered for common decency and morality in this country.

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 12:13pm

      @Maulemall

      By the way, restoring hope works hand in hand with restoring honor. Only when America repudiates violent behavior and disrespectful treatment of other people will we regain the honor we once had. That is one of the things I am hoping for.

      Report Post »  
    • N5DVC
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 12:18pm

      Bernier: “He bullied me first!”

      Report Post »  
    • red_white_blue2
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 12:23pm

      We so need God in our lives as a Nation!

      Report Post » red_white_blue2  
    • omgfolks
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 1:17pm

      Well violence may not be the answer but it sure seems violence is spreading. People are being pushed to that point I guess.

      Report Post »  
    • ALLRight
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Actually even God in the Bible had times when He used force. And Jesus did a pretty mean job in the Temple once.

      Report Post »  
    • gbo
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 1:49pm

      Regis, what just happened?!

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 3:50pm

      The world would be a better place if 80% of Washington was knocked out.

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Romulis
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 4:22pm

      I disagree. It seems that we’ve all been quite and played “nice” for far too long. And what is the result? Ruin. And while violence should not ever be the first answer..it certainly should not be rejected. The founders of our nation believed this to be the case. Hence the American Revolution and the birth of The United States of America. If they hadn’t believed in using violence as a tool then we would still be slaves to the English crown.

      The quesion is: When is the time to stop being nice?

      Report Post »  
    • Rights of Man
      Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:12pm

      “put aside anger”

      Not a good time to “turn the other cheek”, friend.

      If you do, you will be a slave.

      Better a violent free man than a well-mannered slave, I say.

      I don’t know what happened in Florida, but the drone of calls for passivity for the sake of passivity at this seminal moment in our country’s history are nauseating, and dangerous.

      You are not like your radical ancestors who began a bloody war with Britain to gain and keep their birthright: freedom.

      Whatever it takes to defend the innocent and human freedom, period.

      If I were in power, I would indeed be a merciless, murderous tyrant against anyone who threatened human freedom, and proudly so.

      Report Post » Rights of Man  
    • bookofdaniel
      Posted on March 24, 2011 at 2:37am

      Unfortunately, the Burger King, Denny’s and Ihop youtube videos we all have railed against just might be a microcosom of our society. And I mean politically, socially and economically. We can look at those people and say; “those folks are a bunch of degenerates” or we can say; “We as a country have created a monster.”

      Report Post »  
    • *************************
      Posted on March 24, 2011 at 3:46am

      Leadthemtothelight – “This is not who we are. The time has come for everyone to put anger aside and work together to rescue our crumbling society. Violence is never the answer.”

      You’re not getting it, Lead. They aren’t here to RESCUE anything. They’re here to CRUMBLE our society. They’re at war with America, and America had better respond or she WILL crumble.

      “Unfortunately there is one thing standing between me and that property … the rightful owners.” -Hedley Lamarr, Blazing Saddles

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkinBadges  
    • Sevens
      Posted on March 24, 2011 at 6:18am

      Violence is not the answer …well thats what they said prior to the Civil War. This is where we are heading. A violent civil war and I sure hope the side with the most common sense wins and makes progressivism a thing of the past for good !!!!

      Report Post » Sevens  
    • ozz
      Posted on March 24, 2011 at 9:33am

      “Violence is never the answer” WTF What a good little sheep you are.
      Some times violence is the answer. Remember 1776?
      I do not think it is the time for violence yet, but your statement is moronic at best.

      Report Post » ozz  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on March 24, 2011 at 6:21pm

      @Leadthemtothelight,

      “Sad. This is not who we are. The time has come for everyone to put anger aside and work together to rescue our crumbling society. Violence is never the answer.”

      That is absolutely naive.

      Violence IS the answer to violations of our Constitution, which was written to instruct government on how to run our Republic so that we could have a peaceful means for redresses of grievances. And it’s certainly an answer to the willful attack on the American economy.

      Your touchy-feely mentality is insane and destructive.

      Report Post »  

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