Suspended Hamtramck city manager ejected from council meeting amid lawsuit, internal investigation

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Suspended Hamtramck City Manager Max Garbarino was booted by the Mayor from Tuesday night’s city council meeting, marking another turn in the ongoing power struggle happening in the city.

Mayor Amer Ghalib ordered Garbarino’s removal before the meeting began, citing his status on paid administrative leave.

As deputies escorted him out, Garbarino was heard remarking about his lawsuit while rubbing his hands together.

“That’s alright. I’ll be kicked out, lawsuit,” Garbarino said as he left the chamber.

The confrontation comes just days after Garbarino filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Mayor Ghalib, suspended police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, and all six city council members.

The 72-page lawsuit alleges widespread corruption, election fraud, and retaliation against whistleblowers.

After Garbarino’s departure, Mayor Ghalib expressed safety concerns, requesting verification that the suspended city manager had left the building entirely.

“If he is still here, I really don’t feel safe now,” Ghalib said during the meeting.

The city council then discussed plans for an independent investigation into the three suspended officials: Garbarino, Chief Altaheri, and Officer David Adamczyk.

The city attorney assured the council that the law firm had no prior connections to any of the parties involved in the matter.

The council also approved up to $10,000 for the investigation that Miller Johnson will conduct.

The controversy has attracted the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies.

The Michigan State Police are investigating allegations that two council members don’t meet residency requirements to serve on the council.

Simultaneously, the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation into alleged election fraud, having been handed the case by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Chief Altaheri, who remains on administrative leave, maintains his innocence.

In a phone interview with Local 4 News, Altaheri stated, “I know myself. I am innocent. This is literally fabricated.”

We also attempted to contact Garbarino and his attorney on Wednesday regarding his appearance at the city council meeting, but did not receive a response.