We have one question:
Did the mayor ask the Town Council — the very people David Herrera allegedly threatened to “light up” — if they were okay with cutting this ribbon?
Our sources say no. No heads-up. No vote. No conversation.
Just a photo op.
And here’s the part that’s making a lot of people furious: many of Herrera’s loudest critics were Mayor Cohen’s most loyal supporters. They stuck their necks out when the threat allegations came out, defending the mayor’s and the town council’s safety and condemning the violent rhetoric. They believed him.
So now they’re asking: Why would you give that man credibility? Why stand next to him smiling? Why help him cut a ribbon like nothing ever happened?
Unless… you knew it was all a show?
There’s a theory going around that maybe the mayor never believed Herrera was a real threat — and played along with the outrage just long enough to let him take the political fall. A little revenge with a side of tacos. Maybe Herrera really didn’t do anything wrong.
Or maybe… he did.
And the mayor just forgot.
Is This About More Than Tacos?
There’s talk that Mayor Brad Cohen has his sights set on something far beyond East Brunswick — a potential run for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s seat. We’ve received multiple tips suggesting he’s already laying the groundwork to position himself as her successor. And in a polarized political climate, that means winning over new allies — even if it means aligning with people who once posed serious challenges to him. Some insiders believe the ribbon cutting with David Herrera wasn’t just a show of support for a small business, but a calculated move to gain favor with voices that could help push him over the edge in a future primary. Whether it’s political chess or just terrible optics, one thing’s for sure: people are paying attention.
Political Amnesia, or Just East Brunswick?
In a scene that would’ve shocked any other town, Mayor Brad Cohen, Economic Development Officer Rob Zuckerman, and Chamber of Commerce rep Donna Balsamides all gathered this week to celebrate the grand opening of Los Bandoleros Tacos.
The ribbon was cut. The smiles were big. And the irony was even bigger.
This is the same David Herrera who, in 2023, was charged after a tipster told the FBI he planned to shoot up East Brunswick’s government. According to law enforcement, 17 illegal high-capacity magazines were found in his home — some capable of feeding ammo to an AK-47. The quote in the affidavit? He wanted to “light them all up.”
But now, he’s serving tacos with a handshake from the very people he allegedly wanted to target.
Meanwhile, Other Business Owners Get Fined
Locals also pointed out another layer to the madness: selective enforcement.
While Herrera had signage visible on Route 18 for the grand opening, other small business owners in town — like Cozy Cup — were told to remove their outdoor signs or face fines. So what’s the rule? Who does it apply to? And who gets a pass?
We’re all for new businesses and good food. But this wasn’t someone caught jaywalking. This was a man who, per police and FBI records, made violent threats against our elected officials — and yet still got a ribbon, a mayoral smile, and a rebrand.
Eyes on EB is Watching
If you’re trying to figure out who’s protecting who, who’s playing who, or if we’re just all stuck in some wild political telenovela — you’re not alone.
Maybe tacos do heal all wounds.
Or maybe, in East Brunswick, they just make you forget.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L6keJP2E3/
