Protests Erupt Over Councilman’s Controversial Remarks

In a village in Palmetto Bay, Florida, dozens gathered on Thursday evening, rallying in support of gun rights and Christian beliefs, while demanding the resignation of Democrat Steve Cody following his insensitive comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Cody made a post on his personal Facebook shortly after Kirk was killed, mocking the Lord’s Prayer in what many took as a callous reaction.

He implied that “Charlie Kirk is a worthy sacrifice for our lord: Smith and Wesson,” which understandably sparked outrage. Shortly after, he deleted the post and eventually took down his entire Facebook account. Before this, he issued a lengthy apology that notably did not mention his resignation.

“I made a huge mistake by sharing a quote related to Charlie Kirk’s death,” Cody admitted. “It was an ill-judged act driven by my intense anger over the widespread gun violence.” He continued, trying to clarify that the post didn’t truly reflect his core values or responsibilities as an elected official, and expressed his condolences to Kirk’s family.

Despite the demand for his resignation, Cody remained firm in refusing to step down. Among the protesters was Palmetto Bay Mayor Karin Cunningham, who voiced her disappointment with his remarks. “Violence has no place in our community,” she stated, emphasizing that leadership should reflect empathy and responsibility, particularly in times of tragedy.

The village’s official Facebook page documented the protest, which coincidentally occurred on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which seemed to amplify the emotional stakes.

A statement from the village revealed that discussions had taken place between council members and protesters, who were calling for Cody’s resignation due to his comments about Kirk’s assassination.

When questioned about his controversial post, Cody characterized it as poorly thought out but did not back down from remaining in office until 2028. “I realized it was insensitive,” he acknowledged, adding that he appreciated the irony of the situation but regretted that it inflicted pain on others.

Critics within the Republican Party in Florida suggested that Cody’s behavior is indicative of a larger pattern of bullying and intimidation, which they argue does not align with the characteristics of a true leader. They expressed that his remarks not only disrespected Kirk’s faith but also highlighted a regarding trend of belittling tragedy.

Cody has been part of the village council since 2020 and has faced various controversies during his tenure. The most notable being allegations about legal irregularities surrounding a deputy mayor’s appointment, and complaints about escalating legal costs to residents.

Charlie Kirk, who was known as the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a public event at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old and leaves behind a wife and two children. Just days after the incident, suspects were apprehended by law enforcement.