On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, two individuals were arrested for disrupting the Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting at 100 E. Weatherford St in Fort Worth.
The disruptions began when Charles "Charlie" Hermes, a Tarrant County resident, made an outburst at the start of the meeting. Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare issued a warning that any further disruptions would result in immediate removal from the courtroom. Hermes disregarded the warning and continued to interrupt the proceedings, leading to his removal from the courtroom. He has been charged with Disrupting a Public Meeting and is being held in the Tarrant County Jail.
A separate incident occurred when Manuel Mata, also from Tarrant County, began recording the confrontation with his cell phone and aggressively demanded the names and badge numbers of deputies present. His behavior escalated to the point where the court was shut down, and he was arrested for Disorderly Conduct. Mata is also being held in the Tarrant County Jail.
"Commissioners Court has an official decorum that individuals must follow while attending Court," said Sheriff Bill Waybourn. "Public comment is welcomed, but it must be limited to the posted agenda, the business of the County and must be made at the appropriate time. We are always respectful to our citizens who attend our meetings, but we do require they follow the rules and return the same respect."
