PEMBROKE PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - A Pembroke Park Commission meeting was suddenly stopped following a police call alleging Mayor Ashira Mohammed possessed a firearm.
In Wednesday night’s meeting, Mayor Mohammed took center stage to address the commission and dismiss the serious accusation she believes was made by Commissioner Geoffrey Jacobs.
“It has come to my attention that the police have been called because there is an allegation by the commissioner that I have a weapon on me, particularly that I have a gun on me,” said Mayor Mohammed. “So with that, I’m going to allow the chief to search my purse, on the record, so that everyone can see.”
Mayor Mohammed, determined to address the situation transparently, expressed frustration at what she deemed “baseless allegations” that consume valuable time and resources.
As the police chief searched the mayor’s handbag, no weapon was found. In a bold move, Mayor Mohammed voluntarily showcased her person, patting herself down to emphasize the absence of any firearm.
The police chief, explaining the necessary protocol, reiterated that the search yielded no evidence.
On Thursday, Mayor Mohammed spoke out about the allegation.
“The audience was packed with police officers but for some reason, he claimed he had a credible fear for his life from me and that I had a firearm on me,” she said.
Commissioner Jacobs and Mayor Mohammed have butted heads in past meetings and shortly before the police arrived at Wednesday’s meeting.
“This isn’t his first allegation against me,” Mohammed explained. “He’s filed numerous reports with the ethics commission, the state attorney, the [Office of Inspector General]. It’s been consistent for three years of just countless, baseless, allegations.”
Earlier in the year, Jacobs was the center of an investigation that found that he created a hostile work environment in the town.
In an interview with 7News in August Jacobs said, “An investigation is two sides. There was not one person in there that was beneficial to me.”
He has also had conflicts with other commissioners who have since resigned.
Former town attorney Melissa Anderson explained her experience working with Commissioner Jacobs.
“He went after me like I have never in my 35 year-career had anybody,” she said. “I mean it was shocking.”
According to Jacobs, he’s the one that gets picked on. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve been attacked nonstop,” said Jacobs.
“It’s unheard of to sit hear and literally have a commissioner call the police on another commissioner, and he called not only BSO, he also called FDLE,” said Mayor Mohammed.
Commissioner Jacobs has been reached out for comment regarding this incident but has yet to respond. Additionally, Mayor Mohammed also mentioned she will be taking legal action if she can because of the report.
7News requested the 911 calls but were told by Town of Pembroke Park that it is part of their open investigation.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.