In a startling turn of events within the Yonkers City Council, Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, who serves as the Democratic majority leader, finds herself embroiled in controversy after allegedly making a threatening remark towards fellow Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Issac. The incident reportedly occurred following a heated meeting on January 2.

Pineda-Isaac had voted against extending Diaz’s term as majority leader, a move that was ultimately unsuccessful. After the vote, sources claim that Diaz was heard saying, ‘I need to get out of here before I slice this individual’s throat,’ in reference to Pineda-Isaac. This chilling statement was allegedly repeated by Diaz while in the council president’s office shortly after the meeting.

Although there is no recorded evidence of Diaz making these threats, multiple individuals have come forward, expressing their willingness to testify to having heard the remarks, as reported by The Yonkers Ledger.

Pineda-Isaac officially raised the issue in a letter submitted to the city’s human resources department, where she described the incident and its emotional impact on her. She wrote, ‘My colleagues on the council and some of the staff witnessed the Majority Leader of the Yonkers City Council, the third-largest city in New York, say that she was going to “slit my throat.” Imagine how I felt being made aware of that. Imagine coming to work and having to sit next to someone who has made such violent remarks.’

Additionally, Pineda-Isaac alleged that Diaz had criticised her clothing choices, insulted her for feeling cold in the summer, and even threatened to ‘smack the taste out of my mouth’ in the past. A video from a council meeting showed Diaz defending herself passionately against criticism and emphasising her dedication to her constituents.

Diaz did not deny making the alleged threats but apologised for her choice of words, stating that she often uses hyperbole in her political discourse. She clarified, ‘Language taken out of context does not give the full picture and is mainly used as metaphors. If language used has ever offended anyone, I apologise.’

During a reorganisation meeting, Councilwoman Shanae Williams raised further concerns about Diaz’s behaviour, alleging that Diaz had threatened to ‘F them up’ in reference to both Pineda-Isaac and Councilman John Rubbo of the fourth district. Williams also claimed that Diaz had used derogatory language towards another commissioner.

Pineda-Isaac called upon the city’s human resources commissioner, Carlos Moran, to take appropriate action in resolving the matter. She expressed concern that Diaz’s behaviour could escalate and become more dangerous, leading to harm for herself or others. ‘I am not the first or last person to have fallen victim to Majority Leader Diaz’s behaviour,’ Pineda-Isaac wrote, ‘I am just the first person to perhaps document it.’

Yonkers, located approximately 12 miles north of Manhattan, now faces an internal issue that has captured public attention and raised questions about the conduct of its council members.