First responder says she was assaulted by Clayton mayor after speaking out on emergency care standards
The woman identified as the victim in an assault case involving the mayor of Clayton says she spoke out over concerns about emergency medical protocols and patient safety before the alleged altercation occurred.
Krista Daniels released a statement following the arrest of Clayton Mayor Kathy Thomas, who was charged with third-degree assault on May 22, 2026.
“First and foremost, my concern has always been patient safety and the safety of the community,” Daniels said in the statement. “Emergency medical services are built on trust, professionalism, and accountability, and when those standards are not upheld, it has the potential to harm not only EMS providers, but also the patients and citizens who rely on us during emergencies.”
Daniels said she raised concerns about protocols and procedures she believed interfered with her ability to properly provide patient care and follow Alabama EMS state protocols.
“I stood up and spoke out about concerns that I believed could negatively impact patient care and the community as a whole,” Daniels stated. “While doing so, I was physically assaulted by the mayor as I questioned protocols and procedures established by the mayor and the rescue supervisor.”
She added that no first responder or public employee should face retaliation or violence for raising safety concerns.
“This is bigger than just me personally,” Daniels said. “This is about making sure emergency responders can advocate for patients and public safety without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or harm.”
As previously reported by CNAW2News.com, Thomas was arrested Friday morning and booked into the Barbour County Jail at 8:53 a.m. on a charge of assault in the third degree.
Daniels, who identified herself as a first responder, told CNAW2News.com she suffered bruising during the incident. Authorities confirmed the warrants in the case were signed through the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas was later released on bond.
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