Norman City Councilman Resigns Amid Controversial Comments

Brie Daniele Montoya, the City Councilman for Norman, Oklahoma’s third district, resigned on Tuesday after making a controversial Facebook comment. In his post, he suggested that Trump supporters should harm themselves and the virus if they shared certain views.

This resignation comes after several months of being largely unengaged with the council, and critics noted that this incident gained significant attention online. The city of Norman has made it clear that officials speak for themselves and do not endorse any actions that might incite harm.

At the council meeting, Montoya expressed, “I have been serving this community in various capacities since 2008 and am ready to pursue other interests. I will soon resign as councilor for the 3rd district. Thank you, 3rd district!”

Audra Abbott, who responded to Montoya’s comments, mentioned her disbelief upon realizing he was an elected official. “When I found out she was a council member, I just couldn’t wrap my head around how someone in that position could say such things online,” she remarked.

Abbott continued, saying if Tiktok’s coverage had not brought it to light, she doubts any action would have been taken.

In response, Chaya Raichik, a figure associated with the platform, stated, “Elected officials like Montoya must be held accountable for their violent rhetoric, especially with the rise of leftist extremists targeting conservatives.” She criticized the media for not acknowledging this growing issue.

In an email, Norman’s Chief Communications Director, Tiffany Martinez Vrska, emphasized that the city does not support any harmful actions and highlighted the importance of personal accountability among elected officials.

The incident traces back to June when Montoya and Abbott had a heated exchange on Facebook regarding a protest. Montoya’s remarks escalated, leading to his resignation following the fallout that went viral.

Despite the council’s forthcoming decisions about how to fill the vacant 3rd District seat, the controversy has sparked discussions about accountability and the responsibilities of public officials.

At the September meeting, Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman affirmed commitment to free speech while stressing the need for respectful dialogue in the council. “It’s crucial that everyone has a chance to voice their opinions, but we also need to maintain order and respect,” he stated.