An Oklahoma councilwoman has made the decision to step down from her position after being embroiled in a controversial Facebook altercation with a supporter of President Donald Trump. Bree Montoya, who represented the third ward of Norman, which is situated approximately 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, tendered her resignation during a city council meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 23, as reported by KOKH and The Oklahoman. In a statement during the meeting, Montoya expressed her intention to explore other interests after serving the community in various capacities since 2008. She formally announced, “Thank you, Ward 3. It’s been an honor to serve.”
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Following a social media post in June that gained traction online, Montoya found herself at the center of controversy nearly three months later, prompting her resignation. The incident unfolded during a contentious discussion on Facebook involving Montoya and a woman identified as Audra Abbott, where Montoya purportedly instructed the woman to end her own life. The exchange originated from a debate about the attendance numbers at a “No Kings” event organised to protest Trump’s administration and ICE raids coinciding with a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Despite Montoya’s public apology and acknowledgment that her remarks were egregious, the unfolding events sparked a wave of criticism from conservative activists, calling for her removal from office. In response to the escalating situation, Montoya opted to resign and address her inappropriate conduct, acknowledging that the online spat had spiralled out of control. At the city council meeting where she announced her resignation, attendees expressed disappointment in the handling of the situation and advocated for the implementation of stricter regulations governing the conduct of council members in Norman.
Local residents appeared dissatisfied with the lack of concrete action taken in response to the controversy, urging Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman and the council to establish a code of conduct for its members. Layne Brown, a resident, commended the mayor’s silence on the matter, highlighting the importance of integrity in such situations. Additionally, Paul Wilson, another resident, emphasised the need for a code of conduct to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, urging the council to take decisive action promptly.
Having commenced her term as a city councilwoman on July 4, 2023, with a scheduled end date of July 6, 2027, Montoya’s resignation has left her seat vacant. Norman is currently in the process of accepting applications for prospective candidates to fill the vacancy left by Montoya until October 2, following a period of public scrutiny and calls for accountability. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behaviour by public officials, underscoring the need for transparency and adherence to ethical standards in local governance.
In conclusion, Bree Montoya’s resignation in the aftermath of the Facebook altercation underscores the significant impact of social media interactions on public perception and accountability in political roles. The incident highlights the challenges faced by elected officials in navigating digital platforms and the responsibility that accompanies holding a position of public trust. As Norman seeks to fill the void left by Montoya’s departure, the community grapples with the repercussions of the online exchange, prompting deeper reflection on the conduct expected from those in positions of civic leadership.