A local TV news anchor in Alabama has stirred significant backlash online after quoting the founder of a controversial Islamic group linked to terrorism in her recent broadcast.
Ashonti Ford, who is 38 years old, concluded her 6 p.m. segment on ABC 33/40 WBMA-LD in Birmingham last Thursday with a quote attributed to Hassan al-Banna, the late founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.
“Before we get into that, I’d like to share a quote from the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood: ‘The quieter you are, the more you can hear,’” she stated at the end of the program on March 26th, which is operated by Sinclair.
Ford resumed her anchor duties on Monday but did not discuss the surrounding controversy according to reports.
Reactions on social media were swift and intense, with many expressing outrage over the quote’s inclusion in the broadcast.
One user questioned, “Why is she still working?” while another echoed with, “Is she still employed?” This sentiment of accountability echoed across various comments.
Numerous individuals urged immediate action against Ford, some exclaiming, “Fire her now!!!” The criticism escalated rapidly following the broadcast.
Even Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) took to social media, declaring, “Absolute insanity. The Radical Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization.”
The station, ABC 33/40, is facing scrutiny with many seeking answers. Officials have reached out to Ford for remarks.
ABC 33/40 News Director Jeff Cox issued an apology on Monday.
“I want to address the concerns raised about last Thursday’s broadcast,” he stated.
“The aim of our closing segment is to conclude our newscasts on a positive note,” he added.
According to Cox, the quotes selected for broadcasts are usually chosen through an established editorial process rather than by the on-air talent.
He explained, “This quote was read by Ashonti Ford, but she had no role in its selection.”
Cox promised that the station is reviewing the situation internally to uphold their content standards.
Earlier this year, the U.S. government designated parts of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Founded in 1928 in Egypt by Hassan al-Banna, the Brotherhood began as a religious movement promoting Islamic values but later developed elements associated with political violence.
Notably, Hamas has been identified as one of its prominent offshoots. Multiple countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, classify the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, while recent years have seen the U.S. impose sanctions on specific branches.
Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently followed similar steps as Texas by issuing an executive order labeling both the Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as “foreign terrorist organizations.” A federal judge recently paused the enforcement of DeSantis’ order.
