Atlantic City, NJ, Candidates Forum Turns Rowdy — Personal [Photos]

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Atlantic City Mayoral candidates Marty Small and Naeem Khan faced-off in a candidates forum at the Bungalow Park Civic Association meeting.

It Was A Rowdy Candidates Forum

Naeem Khan was subjected to personal attacks and repeated interruptions by Marty Small supporters in the audience throughout the candidates forum.

Bob McDevitt experienced the exact same conditions in the Democrat Primary Election versus Small.

NOTE: The Atlantic City Police Officers did a great job in de-escalating the rowdy atmosphere.

In the photo above and below, you can see former Atlantic City Councilman Atlantic City Councilman Muhammad 'Anjum’ Zia and a distinguished Atlantic City Police Officer.

If you look over Zia’s shoulder (in the photo), you can see Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small (dark suit, with papers in his hand).

The Actions At This Forum Led To Naeem Khan Filing For A Restraining (Protective) Order Against Zia

This is not the first time that Zia has allegedly been a problem for Khan (see the letter below from Atlantic County Prosecutor Will Reynolds to Khan).

The link below proves you with a copy of the Restraining (Protective) Order against Zia and the circumstances  behind why it was requested:

Read More: Restraining Order Filed Against Atlantic City, NJ, Mayor’s Ally

Zia is a close Marty Small ally, who was a former Atlantic City 5th Ward Councilman.

Here Is What Naeem Khan Had To Say About The Conduct At The Candidates Forum

Marty Small had a number of supporters continuously shout and insult Khan throughout the evening, showing no self-control as the moderator continuously rapped her gavel and asked for silence from the audience, said Khan.

In between interruptions, Khan shared his platform to “add more police officers, initiate an independent audit of the city financials, and take steps to clean up the streets., said Khan.

I am not a politician or a professional speaker like him, don't judge him [Marty Small] on his words, judge him on his actions, said Khan.

Khan Tells Small: “Let Me Cook You A Meal”

Small has been questioning Khan’s residency throughout the campaign. There is no foundation to this accusation.

Khan responded to Small:

After the debate why don't you come over to my house, and I will cook you a meal, said Khan.

 

The Photo Gallery Below Will Tell The Story Snout How Animated The Candidates Forum Became: