What was supposed to be a routine day of early voting at the Bohrer Park Activity Center in Gaithersburg turned tense on Thursday, when an altercation broke out that drew police and campaign staffers to the scene. The confrontation involved Maryland state Delegate Gabriel Acevero and local union leader Fiorigi “Gino” Renne, according to people who were there. Gaithersburg police say one person reported a minor injury and that officers documented the incident, but no one was arrested at the site.
Acevero says he was assaulted and will press charges
Speaking to FOX 5 DC, Acevero said Renne assaulted him and that he responded in self-defense. He told the station that Renne "took a swing" at him and said that multiple eyewitnesses backed up his version of events. Acevero told FOX 5 DC he plans to press charges.
Police: officers did not directly observe the fight
The Gaithersburg Police Department told FOX 5 DC that officers were dispatched to a reported assault at 6:03 p.m. at the early voting site. By the time they arrived, they said, the confrontation itself was over. "Yes, we are aware of the video. When officers arrived, the individuals involved had already separated," the department said. Police added that they recorded a report and that no arrests were made at the scene.
Union leader named in reports
The man identified in coverage, Fiorigi "Gino" Renne, is president of the Montgomery County Government Employees Organization, UFCW Local 1994, according to MCGEO. The union’s site lists Renne as the local’s president and notes that its Gaithersburg office serves as the base for county employee representation.
History of tension
Acevero and some local labor leaders were already on rough political terrain before Thursday’s encounter. A 2020 report by Maryland Matters detailed a previous blowup over police reform and transparency efforts. That reporting described a clash tied to Acevero’s work on “Anton’s Law” and noted that he later filed a complaint about how he was treated while working for a union affiliate.
What happens next
Acevero has stated that he will move forward with pressing charges, and Gaithersburg police say the incident is still under review. Investigators can review video footage and speak with witnesses as they determine whether any criminal charges are warranted. The scuffle took place on the final day of Maryland’s eight-day early voting period, according to local election coverage, but officials said polling locations remained open while officers separated the individuals involved.
