The court case between Selma City Councilman Clay Carmichael and former City of Selma Information Technology Director John Kinnerson Jr has been extended to later this year.

Carmichael’s attorney requested the extension on Monday because they needed preparation time.  The judge ordered the trial as closed court, where only the subjects, witnesses and attorneys will be allowed in the courtroom.

Carmichael is disputing a harassment charge made by Kinnerson, who alleged that on Jan. 12 Carmichael used foul language and called him a racial epithet.

The alleged incident happened following an emergency meeting of the Selma City Council on the day a tornado ripped through the city.

According to a police report filed by Kinnerson, the plaintiff alleges he and Carmichael were involved in a heated discussion in the hallway of council chambers when Carmichael “aggressively moved closer to him,” and cursed at him. Kinnerson alleges Carmichael called him a racial epithet and attempted but failed to incite Kinnerson to strike him.

According to the report, Selma City Council President Billy Young had to separate the two men.

Selma City Council President Billy Young, City Councilwoman Christie Thomas, Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, Carmichael’s wife, Amy Carmichael, former Selma City Councilman Tom Headley, former State Senator Hank Sanders also attended the hearing.

The hearing continuance is set for November 6 at 8:30 a.m.