The South Bend Common Council was supposed to vote Monday night on its Community Police Review Board ordinance; however, the meeting ended early due to a possible hacking.
Throughout the meeting, participants reported having issues accessing the Council’s Microsoft Teams call, especially those who wanted to speak against the police review board.
About two hours into the meeting, attorney Robert Palmer had this announcement.
“We have apparently been hacked," Palmer said. "We could very well be in violation of the open-door law if we do not have the ability to let everyone access this meeting and voice their views.”
Shortly after, Palmer said he received an email that said 911 call centers had been hacked nationwide.
The police review board was the first item on the council's agenda, meaning that all subsequent agenda items have been postponed.
"I would like to give a sincere apology to everyone," said Councilwoman Karen White. "Not only our council, but our citizens who have been trying to log in, and all of the other individuals who have waited to present their bills."
The Council voted to adjourn the meeting and reschedule a special session as soon as they are able.
Contact Gemma at gdicarlo@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @gemma_dicarlo
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