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After Fight, Norwalk Democratic Chairwoman Defends Her Actions

Update 5:08 p.m. - This story was updated to reflect that an attempt was made to speak with Bill Krummel concerning the incident with Amanda Brown. That fact was mistakenly omitted from the original story.

Norwalk Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Amanda Brown on Wednesday defended her actions following a fight with fellow Democrats earlier this week.

Norwalk Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Amanda Brown on Wednesday defended her actions following a fight with fellow Democrats earlier this week.

Photo Credit: Contributed

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk Democratic Chairwoman Amanda Brown, who was involved in a physical altercation Monday evening with fellow Democrats Bill and Regina Krummel, issued a statement Wednesday defending her actions in the fracas.

The altercation occurred in the parking lot of City Hall, and though police were called to the scene of the 7:30 p.m. incident, no charges have been filed, police said. Brown claims she has been “intimidated and harassed” by Bill Krummel, a former Common Councilman, about the party’s Board of Education candidates.  

“I have been humiliated, slandered and will receive more backlash from this incident than the other two parties associated, not because I am in the wrong but because, I defended myself,” Brown wrote in a statement.

The incident was investigated and charges were not filed, Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said. The department did not have an official statement, but he gave a brief account of what transpired.

“It was handled by patrol, as would any other case would be handled,” said Kulhawik. “The supervisor that night made the decision to not make any arrests based upon the wishes of the parties involved not to pursue charges.”

The fracas appears to have left the elderly Bill Krummel with a black eye and Regina Krummel knocked to the ground. Democrats have begun to call for Brown’s immediate resignation.

An attempt to reach Bill Krummel Wednesday was unsuccessful.

“The version of the report given by the Krummels earlier today on this matter is very inaccurate,” Brown wrote. “As I was going to the meeting, I met up with the Krummels in the parking lot and we started to head toward the building. Regina and I were discussing her voicemail to me, and we begin discussing emails that went back and forth.

"Bill Krummel interrupted the conversation and began yelling derogatory slurs. I ignored him, maintained my composure and kept talking with Regina. Then he yelled, 'you arrogant black bitch.' Then he was in my face and Regina Krummel came over and pushed me. I was trying to protect myself when Regina fell. Bill was hollering racial slurs and opened his hand and slapped the left side of my face.

"In fear of more physical attacks, I defended myself.  As I was trying to walk away to call the police, the Krummels grabbed my arm and wouldn’t let it go until I said I wouldn’t call. Unbeknownst to them, [Democrat Gordon] Tully was already in the process of calling law enforcement and they were on their way. We were all waiting for them when they arrived.”

Common Council Bruce Kimmel, a vocal critic of his fellow Democrats who now caucuses with Republicans on the council, said he is saddened but not surprised by the incident.

“In November 2011, after witnessing a physical brawl among members of the Democratic Town Committee that lasted about 20 minutes – a brawl that was triggered by race baiting – I decided I could no longer participate in any of the affairs of the local Democratic organization, including its Council caucus,” said  Kimmel in a statement. “Since then, I have watched with sadness as the new leadership of the Democratic organization has repeatedly shown an inability to uphold basic standards of human decency and a level of incompetence that is downright embarrassing.

"Unfortunately, I am not at all surprised by last Monday’s incident. I remain a Democrat in spirit, but not organizationally.”

Brown's statement continued with more explanation. 

“It is very unfortunate that this matter occurred. Nevertheless, no matter how old you are, you have no right to push or slap anyone, especially when they are operating in the capacity of their elected position, even if you dislike them. Times are long gone when you can beat people into submission because you are older, socio-economically well off and mad," she said. "Every hostile and threatening slur that came out of Mr. Krummel’s mouth was an indication of his racial insensitivity. He hit me because I wouldn’t do what he wanted.

"The members of his own District wanted to get rid of him, and I had received complaints about his behavior in the past, but never in a million years did I expect this grown, educated man to strike me. I was doing my job as Chair.”

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