Smithtown council clash turns violent, 1 member charged with assault
Video from Tuesday’s meeting shows Councilman Tom McCarthy pushing fellow Councilman Thomas Lohmann’s chair before confronting him.
Tense moments at a Smithtown Town Board meeting erupted into a physical confrontation between two council members, allegations that have now led to a criminal charge.
Video from Tuesday’s meeting shows Councilman Tom McCarthy pushing fellow Councilman Thomas Lohmann’s chair before confronting him. What the camera does not show, McCarthy says, is Lohmann shoving his shoulder and punching him in the jaw.
McCarthy went to police following the incident. Suffolk County police say Lohmann was charged Wednesday with assault
Residents expressed disappointment over the allegation.
“Never should obviously get to that point. No matter what,” said Smithtown resident David Bernstein.
McCarthy declined to speak on camera but told News 12 off camera that the confrontation happened after the public meeting during a private executive session, where council members were engaged in a heated debate. McCarthy claims Lohmann got in his face and assaulted him in front of other town officials, including Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
McCarthy says his face is sore and swollen from the alleged punch. Lohmann is a former NYPD detective.
“I think it’s terrible, and if it’s true then he should be held accountable,” one resident said.
McCarthy says he is at home recovering and awaiting MRI results. He also says he plans to file for a restraining order against Lohmann.
McCarthy has served on the Town Board for nearly 30 years and says he helped appoint Lohmann in 2018.
Suffolk County police confirm Lohmann is charged with assault and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
News 12 reached out to Lohmann and the Town of Smithtown for comment and has not heard back.
