Black-on-black violence in Arkansas

The black mayor of an Arkansas city claims to have been pistol whipped following a heated discussion with council members. Earnest Nash, mayor of Gould, described the incident as the culmination of months of abuse aimed at him and his family. A witness said that Nash had been talking to council members Sonya Farley and Rosieanna Smith in a car when a member of the public joined in the heated discussion. The witness, councilman Harry Hall, said that Nash and the other man began shouting at each another before it got physical. Nash claims that he was hit with a pistol and feared for his life. The mayor then said that the man hit him in with the gun. So far no arrests have been made. Nash said that he has not heard back from the police. The tensions between Nash and the council go back to January 2011, when new members took office. They passed an ordinance banning all public and private meetings discussing any city matters within city limits, aimed at Gould Citizens Advisory Council. The Advisory Council has filed a lawsuit against council members Hall and Smith challenging their eligibility to serve. Nash was then attacked. During an interview, councilwoman Farley actually drove up and confronted Nash. Farley had to be restrained. Despite the threats Nash said that he has no plans to stand down.