A recurring attendee at New Jersey town hall meetings was arrested Tuesday night after refusing to leave the podium during a Cranford Township Committee session, subsequently serenading officials and attendees with a Morrissey song.
William Thilly, 52, of Cranford, approached the podium during the public comment period with a sign reading "REFUSE GOVT. ABUSE." After exceeding his allotted five minutes to speak on his concerns about government abuse, Thilly refused to yield the floor. He then played Morrissey's "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get" over a loudspeaker and sang along to the opening lines.
Despite multiple warnings from committee members, Thilly continued his performance. He was subsequently arrested by police and removed from the meeting. The charges filed against him include third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, disrupting a meeting, and obstructing the administration of law.
Authorities stated that as officers escorted Thilly out, he deliberately fell to the ground, which resulted in one officer sustaining a knee injury requiring hospitalization. Videos of the incident show Thilly falling as he was being removed, but the exact cause of the officer's injury is not clearly depicted.
Cranford Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro issued a statement emphasizing the department's commitment to free expression during public comments. "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," Nazzaro said.
This incident follows a pattern of disruptive behavior by Thilly at town hall meetings. In September 2025, he attempted breakdancing at a meeting, and in November, he sued town officials for alleged free speech violations after the council staged a walkout during a meeting where he was holding a beach ball.
Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunter stated that while the township supports residents' right to participate, recent disruptions have led to an unsafe environment. "Everyone has the right to speak, sing, dance and record our meetings and no one has ever been denied that opportunity," Prunter said. "However, being continuously disruptive, combative and infringing on others' right to speak or listen will not be tolerated." She expressed concern that the behavior of a few individuals is preventing other residents from feeling safe and having their concerns heard.
Thilly was released pending an appearance in Union County Superior Court. His attorney declined to comment on the matter.