Merced councilmember faces censure over behavior at Black Lives Matter event
MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- From yelling at a Merced resident in council chambers to being caught on camera demonstrating a carotid control hold at a Black Lives matter rally.
Merced City officials say it's these actions from Councilmember Fernando Echevarria that led them to move forward with a censure on Monday night.
Several of the council members spoke out against his recent actions which they say include his behavior at council, threatening legal action after the rally, and allegations he made against the mayor in an email.
Also, residents accuse him of inappropriate behavior at a recent Black Lives Matter event.
A video of Echevarria demonstrating a carotid control hold at an event following the death of George Floyd prompted outrage by many. It was filmed during a gathering outside the Merced Courthouse Museum on June 7th, where he later exchanged heated words with protesters before abruptly walking away.
Residents, some of who live in his district, demanded he resign.
The board will meet again on July 20th to finalize his censure.
"We disagree with his conduct and we hold ourselves to a higher standard," sad Mayor Mike Murphy.
A censure wouldn't mean Echevarria would lose his seat.
He'd have to fail to show up to the remaining meetings or be recalled.
Action News reached out to Echevarria, but has yet to receive a response. However he will now be served with a resolution and be allowed to respond to the allegations.
