A small-town council meeting in Tarrant, Alabama, turned volatile as deep-seated tensions between Mayor Wayman Newton and Councilman Tommy Bryant erupted into verbal clashes and accusations of racism. The Nov. 18 altercation marked another chapter in their years-long feud, which has frequently disrupted the city’s governance. Newton, the town’s first Black mayor, accused Bryant of using a racial slur against him and reigniting past grievances during the heated exchange.
The confrontation began as the council addressed Mayor Newton’s ongoing campaign to remove Police Chief Wendell Major. Newton has alleged misconduct by Major, claiming the chief downgraded serious offenses and pursued outside legal work while serving the city of 6,000. Bryant, a vocal critic of the mayor, used the opportunity to dredge up a 2022 incident in which he struck Newton, describing it as a reaction to what he called “fighting words” about his wife.
As tensions escalated, Newton accused Bryant of repeatedly calling him a racial slur and warned him against using the term “boy” again. Bryant, who is white, dismissed the accusations with defiance, prompting further disruptions. At one point, Bryant also claimed that Newton had been offended by insinuations about his sexuality, a remark that added fuel to the already volatile situation.
City Councilwoman Veronica Freeman attempted to bring order to the meeting, urging the participants to return to the agenda, but her efforts were largely ignored. The exchange continued until a member of the public intervened, questioning the relevance of such personal attacks during an official council meeting. The room’s atmosphere reflected the broader tension within the town’s leadership.
The rivalry between Newton and Bryant has cast a shadow over Tarrant’s governance since Newton’s historic election in 2020. Critics and citizens alike have expressed frustration with the frequent disruptions, while Newton maintains that his administration has been unfairly undermined. The incident underscores the challenges of navigating racial and political divisions in a deeply polarized environment, even at the local level.
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