Knox County Commission rescinds zoning appointment after assault allegations

The Knox County Commission voted 7-4 to rescind Robert Alex Moody’s appointment to the county Board of Zoning Appeals after he was cited for misdemeanor assault over an alleged Oct. 10 confrontation with a protester at a downtown Knoxville event. The decision reopens nominations for the seat and was presented by supporters as a way to reconsider the appointment, not as a judgment on Moody’s guilt. Opponents said the commission was acting before the legal process had concluded, with one arguing that video of the incident did not establish the allegations. Moody is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in November.