POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Sixth Ward Councilman Christopher Grant is facing serious allegations after reportedly assaulting a 69-year-old volunteer during the Caribbean Festival held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Waryas Park.
The event, which was organized by Councilman Grant in partnership with the Caribbean Association of the Hudson Valley, took an unexpected turn when an alleged physical altercation broke out between the councilman and local volunteer Winston Strachan.
Volunteer Alleges Unprovoked Assault
According to public statements made by Strachan, he had generously offered his time and equipment to assist with the event’s sound system. However, what began as a collaborative effort ended in confrontation.
Strachan claims that tensions escalated during the festival, ultimately resulting in Councilman Grant punching him in the face. The exact reason behind the disagreement remains unclear, but sources suggest the two men had a heated verbal exchange before the alleged assault.
Strachan confirmed in a Sunday social media post that event security intervened to de-escalate the situation. He was later treated for his injuries at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on Saturday afternoon.
Police Report Filed
That evening, Strachan reported the incident to the Poughkeepsie City Police Department, formally accusing Grant of assault. Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the status of the investigation or whether charges will be filed.
The Mid-Hudson News reached out to Councilman Grant for comment, but he has not responded to inquiries about the alleged altercation.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The news of the incident has raised concerns among community members, especially given that the alleged victim is nearly 30 years older than the accused and was volunteering his services to support a community event.
Strachan’s social media post, which has been widely shared, details his version of the events and calls for accountability. He expressed disappointment, not only over the physical assault but also the lack of a public apology or explanation from Grant.
A Festival Marred by Controversy
The Caribbean Festival was intended to celebrate cultural unity, music, and heritage along the scenic Hudson River. However, the alleged incident has cast a shadow over the event, which otherwise drew a strong crowd and community support.
Many in the local community are now awaiting further information from city officials and law enforcement regarding possible disciplinary action or legal consequences for the sitting councilman.
No Official Charges Yet
As of now, no charges have been publicly confirmed, and the Poughkeepsie City Council has not issued a statement. It is also unclear whether the matter will be reviewed by an ethics committee or if there will be a formal investigation into Grant’s conduct.
Community leaders and local residents are calling for transparency and accountability as the situation develops.
This incident adds to growing scrutiny of local officials and has sparked conversations around leadership standards and appropriate behavior, especially during public events meant to foster community goodwill.
Leave a Reply