Wyoming councilman suggests ‘hang bad judges’ following abortion ban decision

Wyoming Council Member Sparks Controversy with Remarks on Judges

A member of the Powell City Council in Wyoming has come under fire after suggesting that “bad judges” should be hanged, following a court’s decision regarding abortion laws. Despite the backlash, he later clarified that his comments were not meant as a threat.

Democratic state representative Mike Yin shared a post on Facebook about a Natrona County judge who paused Wyoming’s six-week abortion ban, allowing abortions to continue amid ongoing legal disputes. In his post, Yin stated that Congress should respect the Constitution and the right to choose one’s healthcare, mentioning that the situation is harming the state’s healthcare providers and families. He emphasized that change must happen at the ballot box.

Troy Bray, the city councilman involved, responded to a discussion about the ruling by saying, “For justice to be served in Wyoming, bad judges must be hanged.” This comment was met with immediate criticism, with many arguing it was inappropriate given his position.

In a detailed follow-up post, Bray insisted his remarks were merely an expression of his personal beliefs and not an incitement to action. “This is a statement of my beliefs, not a threat as some have characterized it,” he stated, and affirmed that he sought a peaceful resolution while addressing systemic injustices “by any means necessary.” He stressed his commitment to finding peaceful solutions.

Bray also described the judicial system in Wyoming as “broken,” criticizing judges for overreaching their authority and claiming that courthouses are often not places where true justice is found. He elaborated on this in subsequent posts, arguing that the legal system tends to favor those who can afford lawyers, leaving others disadvantaged. “If you show up in court without a lawyer, you won’t even be allowed to plead,” he noted.

His comments coincided with a continuing legal battle over Wyoming’s abortion law, which has been a point of contention among local officials and the public alike. Bray’s views have sparked strong reactions from both proponents and opponents of abortion restrictions.