Senate President Pro Tem David Sokola, D-Newark, removed State Sen. Darius Brown, D-Wilmington, from a committee assignment after a heated argument with a female House member.
Following the removal, State Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, D-Wilmington, chair of the Delaware Senate Rules & Ethics Committee, announced that she wilCommittee the committee in the coming weeks to adopt the procedures for investigating matters involving Brown and making recommendations to the full Delaware State Senate.”
Sokola released the following:
“When Senator Brown was charged with offensive touching and disorderly conduct earlier this year, and I removed him from the Judiciary Committee, I informed both him and the public that I reserved the right to take further disciplinary action should additional details emerge or events transpire.
Unfortunately, there was an incident involving Senator Brown and a legislative colleague last week that is deeply concerning to me and those who witnessed it. Verbal abuse is abuse, full stop, and it cannot go unpunished. In the Senate, there will be consequences for behavior unbecoming an elected official.”
Sokola continued, “As such, I have removed Senator Brown from the Senate Capital Improvement Committee, effective immediately. I informed him of my decision on Nov. 13. Senator Marie Pinkney will be assigned to the committee at the start of 2022. I have also requested that Sen. Brown enroll in an anger management course, and I am committed to helping connect him to those resources.”
Senate Republicans earlier called for ethics proceedings related to Brown’s conduct.
Senate Democrats have been under fire for not being more forceful in dealing with Brown, who is facing charges related to an incident where he is accused of punching a woman at a north Wilmington restaurant during an argument.
Brown’s conduct was brought up as Democratic senators mulled action against State Auditor Kathy McGuiness, a Democrat who is facing felony and misdemeanor charges regarding her conduct in office.
A former state Supreme Court Justice provide advice related to constitutional questions on trying and removing officials.
Some Democrats and at least one Republican have been calling for McGuiness to take a leave of absence or resign.
McGuiness, speaking through her attorney, vowed to remain in office.
