UPDATE: A Boston man has been arrested following a chaotic incident at a polling place over a buffet meant for election officials. Richard Futrell, 46, clashed with a poll worker on September 28, 2023, at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Dorchester, after he attempted to access food he believed he was “entitled to” due to changes in his SNAP benefits under President Trump.
The situation escalated around 12:45 p.m. when Futrell confronted the poll worker who informed him that the buffet was off-limits to voters. Witnesses reported that Futrell “stepped in her face and continued to verbally berate her,” creating a tense atmosphere at the polling station. One voter expressed feeling threatened, stating she had to “stand back” as Futrell confronted the worker, who had just taken away a plate of food he had prepared for himself.
As the confrontation grew, Futrell became increasingly agitated. He blocked a doorway, preventing other voters from entering and disrupting the electoral process. The incident report details how Futrell claimed he was entitled to the food, raising alarm among those present. “The suspect had willfully and without lawful authority interfered with…the voters’ ability to access the poll location,” the report states.
Despite requests from voting officials for Futrell to leave, he continued to escalate the situation. Officers from the Boston Police, stationed at the polling site, intervened but faced resistance. Futrell reportedly began filming the officers and yelled aggressively, with one officer feeling threatened enough to believe he was being spit on.
In the ensuing struggle, Futrell allegedly pushed an officer, ultimately leading to his arrest after a physical confrontation. He now faces serious charges, including assault and battery on a police officer, disturbing a public assembly, interfering with an election official, interfering with a voter, and resisting arrest.
Prosecutors from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office have requested a $1,000 bail for Futrell. Judge Rebecca Figueroa has ordered him to stay away from the poll worker involved in the incident.
This alarming episode underscores the volatile atmosphere surrounding Election Day as tensions flare over food access and government assistance. With voter turnout crucial, incidents like this raise significant concerns about safety and order at polling locations.
As this story develops, observers are urged to monitor updates regarding Futrell’s case and the ongoing implications for electoral security. The community and officials alike are focused on ensuring a safe and fair voting environment as the election season progresses.
