NAACP investigating misinformation, possible targeting of embattled Lynnwood councilmember

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Officials with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of Snohomish County said it has launched an investigation into what it says is misinformation surrounding Black Lynnwood City Councilmember Josh Binda.

Binda has been the subject of a recall campaign for an Instagram post and other actions.

The NAACP said in a Thursday news release that it is looking into the “alleged targeting” of Binda “by the media and fellow Lynnwood City Councilmembers.”

Last year, the 23-year-old was accused of misusing campaign funds for personal use.

The Public Disclosure Commission opened a formal investigation and found Binda spent $2,742.49 of campaign funds on designer items, dental work, hair, airfare and entertainment tickets.

In January, Binda faced an ethics investigation for using the Lynnwood City Council chambers after hours to allegedly shoot a promotional video without permission.

Binda has also been getting backlash since last month for sharing a shirtless picture on Instagram to promote his “Love Conquers All” school speaking tour.

“The NAACP of Snohomish County is specifically investigating if misinformation is being used to justify actions against Joshua Binda, the youngest Black councilmember in Snohomish County. The NAACP of Snohomish County recognizes that young Black voices are often maliciously silenced, and this investigation aims to shed light on any injustices councilmember Binda may have faced,” the news release said.

“Given the current climate in the Country, we are deeply concerned that young black voices are being targeted and suppressed. Having recently witnessed the attempt to silence Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones in Tennessee, we realize this may be endemic nationwide. Discriminatory behavior has no place in our County, and we plan to expose it if it exists,” said NAACP Snohomish County President Dr. Janice R. Greene.

Most recently, Lynnwood City Council President Shannon Sessions claims Binda made a last-minute request to attend a leadership conference in Washington, D.C.

She said she told him he couldn’t go to the conference using taxpayers’ dollars, but he went anyway and is now pushing for taxpayers to foot the bill.

The NAACP’s Snohomish County branch said it will update the community with its progress on the investigation.

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