MARTINSVILLE, Va. – A Martinsville City Councilman spoke out on Thursday afternoon after being removed from a Tuesday night meeting.
Mayor LC Jones asked Councilman Aaron Rawls to fall in order multiple times before he was escorted out by a deputy. Rawls held a press conference regarding his removal at city hall.
“...The level of coordination to remove any elected person from a city meeting is absolutely criminal. Literally, it was unbelievable. It is an absolute civil rights violation.”
Martinsville Councilman Aaron Rawls
During the council meeting, Rawls expressed concern about a proposed pay increase for the city manager. Mayor Jones also requested Rawls to “fall in order” multiple times before he was escorted out by a deputy.
Mayor Jones has not yet responded to our request for comment.
This is a developing situation, and we will update you as more information becomes available.
