An Easton, Pennsylvania city councilwoman, TBA Sultana, faces scrutiny after accusing her local police department of racism and political corruption following a July 2023 arrest for domestic assault. The allegations were publicly disputed after body camera footage of the incident was shown at a recent city council meeting.
The incident involved Sultana allegedly hitting, punching, and headbutting her 19-year-old son. The bodycam footage, released by the police department, shows officers arriving at Sultana’s home and speaking with her son, whose face is blurred in the video.
Police officers interviewing a young man outside a home.
The 19-year-old explains to police that the incident stemmed from an argument that escalated quickly. He states, “It was so quick I didn’t even realize it next thing you know she like punching slapping… face.” He also alleges his mother grabbed his hair and banged his head against hers. The footage shows visible scratches on his face.
Sultana’s son reveals to the officers that the alleged violence has been an ongoing issue for him and his siblings for years.
Police officer talking to a woman inside her home.
The officer then enters the home to obtain Sultana’s account of the altercation. She claims her son pushed her, and she pushed him back in response. She admits to being angry but denies headbutting her son.
After interviewing both parties, officers are seen outside discussing the possibility of placing Sultana under arrest. One officer states, “He’s saying that she attacked him basically and that she grabbed him by his head and smashed her head into his, scratched him in the face, and he’s got visible injuries.”
The officers acknowledge Sultana’s position as a council member and decide to consult with their lieutenant before proceeding. After speaking with their superior, the officer takes photos of the 19-year-old’s injuries.
Further questioning reveals that Sultana’s daughter was present during the incident, corroborating the son’s account of events. The officer then informs Sultana’s son that, due to the nature of the incident and Pennsylvania domestic violence laws, they will be arresting his mother.
Police officer explaining arrest procedures to a woman inside her home.
The officer explains, “It’s domestic violence in Pennsylvania when somebody’s injured and we determined that there’s an arrest we we have to make an arrest. So um it’s still looking like most likely we’re going to be arresting your mom for simple assault and harassment.”
Sultana is informed about the potential bail conditions, which include a stipulation barring her from returning to her home where her son resides. She vehemently argues that her son should be the one to leave.
The officer clarifies the legal complexities of the situation, stating, “When somebody establishes residency… he has a right to stay here um ultimately until he’s evicted or he offers to leave on his own.”
Police officer escorting a woman to a police car.
The bodycam footage concludes with Sultana being escorted to the police car, after hugging her younger children goodbye.
At the recent city council meeting where the footage was aired, the police chief criticized Sultana for her allegations of racism and political corruption, asserting that the footage demonstrates the department’s commitment to fair and respectful treatment of all individuals. The mayor echoed these sentiments, stating that the department acted with compassion and that the criticisms were baseless.
Sultana, while not directly addressing the content of the bodycam footage, issued a statement to local news outlets expressing that the release of the video was inappropriate, hurtful to her family, and a breach of privacy. She maintains that the incident was misconstrued and does not negate her claims of political motivations.
Last week, Sultana was reportedly approved for a program that, upon completion, will expunge her record.
