Galloway Township Council Faces Calls to Condemn Proud Boys After Protest Incident

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY  — Kim Grieser, founder of Atlantic County Indivisible, urged the Republican-controlled Township Council to formally denounce the Proud Boys, an ultra-nationalist group linked to the January 6 Capitol attack, following an incident at a May 1 workers' rights protest. During the protest outside the municipal building on Jimmie Leeds Road, a truck reportedly engaged in "rolling coal," releasing a cloud of black smoke toward protesters and nearly striking them. Several attendees experienced lingering health issues. Videos circulated showing Proud Boys members mingling with protesters. Grieser criticized local leadership for what she described as tolerance toward the group and called for a clear stance against their presence, citing repeated harassment and unsafe behavior during protests.
Police located the truck driver and issued a warning; Grieser was advised to file an EPA complaint. Council members distanced themselves from the Proud Boys, with Mayor Anthony Coppola Jr. emphasizing the right to protest and the importance of maintaining separate spaces for opposing groups. Councilman Tom Bassford challenged Grieser’s accusations, highlighting disruptive behavior by protesters at a separate April 24 event. Coppola confirmed a wedding rehearsal coincided with the fundraiser protest where guests faced harassment but reported the event remained nonviolent. Both officials urged residents to report illegal activity directly to police, reaffirming commitment to safety and order.