BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — On Saturday afternoon, a volunteer for the John Gomes campaign was assaulted by Jazmin Cooper, daughter of City Council-member Eneida Martinez.
Jazmin Cooper allegedly forcefully took campaign materials from John Gomes’ campaign volunteer, Kim McLaughlin, without permission, and made copies before returning them.
The incident reportedly occurred outside 430 Grant Street, where McLaughlin was waiting for another volunteer. According to McLaughlin, Cooper approached her, shoving her against a car, and forcibly taking her clipboard while tearing up her papers, including numbered AB (absentee ballot) applications.
Video evidence of the incident was submitted to authorities for further investigation.
McLaughlin stated, “I am a 69-year-old first generation Irish American. I will not be bullied, intimidated, pushed aside, silenced, or discouraged from participating in the exercise of my constitutional rights of free speech and voting and participating in the election process. I am now more determined than ever to talk to voters about how we can positively change our city for our children and grandchildren. In the coming week, I will be pursuing SEEC and additional police charges pertaining to this incident.”
This altercation follows a recent incident involving City Council-woman Eneida Martinez, where McLaughlin is considering legal action for defamation of character and voter intimidation.
City Council-member Eneida Martinez, representing the 139th District, recently found herself entangled in legal proceedings. Martinez appeared in court seeking probation and the avoidance of criminal charges related to the tragic killing of Nyair Nixon at the Keystone Club, which she managed back in 2020.
In September of 2023, campaign volunteers for John Gomes were reportedly threatened by Council-member Alfredo Castillo. In response, Gomes expressed concern, stating that such acts of intimidation and violence by supporters of Mayor Joe Ganim are unacceptable.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first and probably won’t be the last act of intimidation and violence perpetrated by supporters of Mayor Joe Ganim. Campaign volunteers and voters should not live in fear of challenging Mayor Ganim. Disputes and differences of opinion should not be settled with acts of violence,” said Gomes.
