A Maine school board meeting descended into chaos Wednesday after a conservative activist confronted officials over a teacher’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The confrontation ended when a board member slapped the activist’s phone from his hand and police intervened.
The Confrontation
Tim Bodnar, a conservative influencer known as the “Truth-slinger,” addressed Regional School Unit 67.
Tim Bodnar
He accused the district of spreading “communist propaganda” and demanded action against the teacher.
The educator’s identity has not been released, but they were placed on leave last week.
Bodnar wore an American flag cowboy hat as he berated the board.
“You can bang that all you want, lady,” he sneered at the chairwoman.
He called board chair Dianne Buck a “foul, evil woman.”
He demanded counseling for students allegedly upset by the teacher’s remarks.
Escalation
Board member Andrew Funaro leapt to Buck’s defense during the meeting.
“Don’t you insult that woman,” Funaro shot back.
The livestream briefly cut out as tensions spiked.
When the feed resumed, Funaro was seen slapping Bodnar’s phone.
Screenshot
Police quickly moved in to separate the men and calm the room.
Rattled officials voted to adjourn the meeting by a show of hands.
Video of the clash spread quickly across social media platforms.
NEW: School board meeting in Maine erupts after board member slaps phone out of attendee’s hand during heated exchange
A teacher was placed on leave last week over comments about the k*lling of Charlie Kirk
‘I demand counseling for the kids who were hurt by Charlie Kirk’s death… pic.twitter.com/1GFif0RJ9K
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) September 20, 2025
Funaro’s Defense
Funaro defended his actions in a statement to the press Saturday.
He described himself as a conservative and admirer of Kirk.
He said any teacher who celebrates political violence should be fired.
Funaro called Bodnar a “known provocateur” who undermined the cause.
“It poisons the well for people actually doing the work,” he said.
He argued he would not tolerate disruptions at district facilities.
Funaro said he trusted the board would “do the right thing.”
District Response
Superintendent Chris Downing addressed families in a Sept. 12 letter.
He said the district was carefully reviewing the teacher’s case.
He emphasized the schools “do not condone violence of any type.”
Downing assured families the district remains a safe environment.
The district includes Lincoln, Chester, and Mattawamkeag, north of Bangor.
Police in Lincoln confirmed the incident is under investigation.
No arrests were reported as of Saturday.
