A chaotic fight erupted during a California city hall meeting involving local election candidates and their supporters.
The incident took place on Tuesday night during a Planning Commission meeting in West Covina, Calif., KTLA reported.
Tensions escalated inside the chambers when candidates and their supporters criticized the absence of city council member and City Council District 1 candidate Brian Gutierrez during a candidate forum earlier this month.
This led to a heated debate and, ultimately, a physical altercation outside the council chambers on a stairway leading to a parking lot.
Witnesses recounted that Councilmember Rosario Diaz, her husband Bill Elliott, and residents Steve Bennett and John Shewmaker were all involved in the fight. Diaz and Shewmaker are running against each other for a District 3 City Council seat.
Those who saw the altercation unfold claim that it started after Elliot confronted Bennett while trying to leave the meeting, resulting in punches being thrown and allegations of choking.
Officers from the West Covina Police Department were called to the scene, stopping Elliott and Bennett from continuing the fight.
Authorities are currently investigating the matter further. No more details about the incident or the ensuing investigation have been released.
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