The mayor of Holly Springs has responded to accusations she assaulted the city’s human resources director ahead of a Tuesday board meeting.
First reported by WREG, Pat Dawson alleged that Mayor Sharon Gipson assaulted her in City Hall while she was carrying folders with job applications. According to Dawson, the mayor pushed and pulled at the HR director while blocking her way in the building.
Dawson contended that Gipson’s alleged actions resulted from the HR director’s comments about the city’s utilities department and how the mayor is running a “failing system.”
“I want her to be arrested. I want her to be held accountable just like anybody else would be accountable if you attacked any other person for no reason,” Dawson told the TV station. “She decided to yank it out of my hand, barricade my way to get on the elevator where I was headed to my office, and then to push and shove.”
In response to the accusations, Gipson took to Facebook and released full video footage of the events that took place prior to Tuesday’s board meeting. The mayor argues that the allegations made against her are both “defaming” and “frivolous.”
“In the best interest of the city, I am releasing the full unedited video because a ‘picture is worth a thousand words,’ and this video may save thousands of taxpayer dollars and hours of distraction. I appreciate your continued prayers and support for the City of Holly Springs, the City of History and Hospitality,” Gipson stated.
Dawson has filed simple assault charges and has asked the Holly Springs Board of Aldermen to take action against Gipson.
