City Council Member Resigns Following Controversial Comments Directed at Trump Supporter

City Council Member Resigns Following Controversial Comments Directed at Trump Supporter

Bree Danyele Montoya, the city council member representing Ward 3 in Norman, Oklahoma, announced her immediate resignation on Tuesday. This decision came after her Facebook comment, in which she urged a Trump supporter to harm herself, resurfaced and gained widespread attention when shared by Libs of TikTok.

The fallout from Montoya’s remarks has drawn considerable criticism toward the city council, particularly regarding their previous inaction on the matter. Critics argue that it was only after the incident received national attention online that any significant action was taken. The local government reinforced their position, stating that while elected officials express personal views, they do not endorse behavior that may encourage harm.

During a recent council meeting, Montoya stated, “In various capacities, I have served this community since 2008, and I am ready to pursue other interests. Effective immediately, I am resigning as councilmember for Ward 3. Thank you, Ward 3!”

The constituent who received Montoya’s comments, Audra Abbott, expressed her disbelief upon realizing the author’s identity. She recounted, “I saw that she was a city council member within moments of her posting it, and I was like, wow, I can’t believe that an elected official would talk like that online.”

Abbott further remarked, “If it hadn’t gone viral with Libs of TikTok picking it up, I don’t think that anything would have happened at all.” This sentiment underscores a growing concern about accountability among public officials.

Libs of TikTok’s Role in Amplifying Controversy

Chaya Raichik, the founder of Libs of TikTok, emphasized the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their language, particularly when it could incite violence. Raichik commented, “With a rising trend of violent left-wing extremists targeting conservatives, it is our duty to hold elected officials, such as Oklahoma City Councilor Bree Montoya, accountable for violent rhetoric, regardless of their status or position.”

Raichik further added, “While the fake news media refuses to acknowledge the truth of the rising epidemic of far-left violence, Libs of TikTok will continue to expose elected leaders who promote violence, demonize ICE, or issue threatening statements against the American people.”

Norman City Administration Responds

Norman’s Chief Communications Officer, Tiffany Martinez Vrska, provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the controversy. She clarified that the city of Norman does not endorse actions that could lead to harm. Vrska noted, “The City of Norman as a municipal corporation does not support actions or behaviors that may encourage harm; carrying out municipal functions that provide or support public service remains the focus of the corporation.”

Additionally, Vrska emphasized that elected officials speak solely for themselves when making personal remarks. She indicated that the city plans to follow municipal guidelines for addressing the vacancy in Ward 3.

A Timeline of Events

The conflict between Montoya and Abbott traces back to June, when they clashed over the size of a protest dubbed “No Kings.” Montoya escalated the argument by dismissively calling Abbott “uneducated” and subsequently suggesting that she harm herself.

Initially, screenshots of their exchange circulated within local Facebook groups through the summer before Libs of TikTok amplified the situation. Many within the community criticized Norman officials for delaying an appropriate response until the comments became a trending topic online.

Montoya, who was recently elected in 2023 and re-elected in February 2025, found herself resigning less than three months into her term.

Mayor’s Stand on Free Speech and Respectful Discourse

During the September 23 council meeting, Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman addressed the incident. He stated, “As your mayor, I want to affirm our commitment to upholding the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The right to free speech is fundamental to our democracy, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to express their opinions and be heard.”

Holman added, “While we honor the right to free speech, we must also maintain an environment that is respectful, orderly, and conducive to productive discussion.” He reinforced his goal of ensuring that every voice is heard while preserving the integrity of council meetings.

Looking Ahead

The resignation of Bree Montoya highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by public officials over their online behavior and interactions with constituents. As social media platforms continue to amplify voices, the conversation around accountability, respectful discourse, and the responsibilities of elected officials remains crucial.

Moving forward, the city of Norman will need to navigate the complexities of maintaining a constructive dialogue with its residents while addressing the impact of individual actions on the community.