Norman council member steps down after controversial remark to Trump supporter

Well, folks, it seems even small-town politics can ignite a national firestorm when a city council member’s online venom gets the better of them.

In a nutshell, Bree Danyele Montoya, Norman, Oklahoma’s Ward 3 council member, resigned abruptly on Tuesday after a vicious Facebook comment she made to a Trump-supporting constituent, Audra Abbott, resurfaced and exploded across social media with the help of Libs of TikTok.

Let’s rewind to June, when this drama first unfolded. Montoya and Abbott clashed online over the attendance at a “No Kings” protest, with Montoya labeling Abbott “uneducated” before taking a darker turn by suggesting Abbott harm herself. Talk about a low blow from someone elected to serve, not scorn.

From Local Spat to National Scandal

Through the summer, screenshots of this ugly exchange bounced around local Facebook groups in Norman. It wasn’t until Libs of TikTok amplified the post that the story caught fire nationally, shining a spotlight on Montoya’s words. Suddenly, a quiet city council spat became everyone’s business.

Critics quickly pointed fingers at the Norman city council for sitting on their hands for months. Only after the viral outrage did the pressure mount enough for action. Turns out, ignoring a problem doesn’t make it disappear—who knew?

Montoya, who was first elected in 2023 and re-elected just this February, didn’t even make it three months into her latest term before throwing in the towel. Her resignation statement was curt: “I am ready to pursue other interests.” Well, that’s one way to dodge accountability.

Official Responses Raise Eyebrows

Norman’s official response didn’t exactly brim with condemnation. Tiffany Martinez Vrska, the city’s chief communications officer, stated that the municipality “does not support actions or behaviors that may encourage harm,” while stressing elected officials speak for themselves in personal remarks. It’s a safe sidestep, but where’s the backbone to call out such rhetoric?

Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman, speaking at a recent council meeting on September 23, doubled down on free speech while urging respect: “The right to free speech is fundamental to our democracy.” Fair enough, but when does “free speech” cross into reckless hostility from a public servant?

Holman added a plea for civility, saying he aims to maintain “an environment that is respectful, orderly and conducive to productive discussion.” It’s a noble goal, but one wonders if this incident will spark real change or just more platitudes.

Constituent Shock and Viral Impact

Audra Abbott, the target of Montoya’s comment, was floored to learn an elected official would stoop so low. “I can’t believe that an elected official would talk like that online,” she said. It’s a sentiment many share when leaders forget who they represent.

Abbott also noted the viral boost from Libs of TikTok was likely the only reason anything happened: “If it hadn’t went viral... I don’t think that anything would have happened at all.” It’s a sad commentary on how outrage, not principle, often drives consequences.

Libs of TikTok’s Chaya Raichik didn’t mince words, calling out what she sees as a pattern of “violent left-wing extremists targeting conservatives.” While her rhetoric is sharp, it underscores a growing concern among many on the right about unchecked hostility from progressive leaders. The question is, will this wake-up call resonate beyond one resignation?

What’s Next for Norman’s Ward 3?

With Montoya out, Norman officials promised resources and information on how the Ward 3 vacancy will be filled in the coming weeks. The city’s council-manager structure will likely guide the process, but residents deserve clarity—and a representative who prioritizes service over social media spats.

This incident isn’t just about one bad comment; it’s a reminder of the toxic divide seeping into even local governance. When elected officials wield words as weapons, trust erodes faster than a campaign promise. Norman’s next steps must rebuild that trust, not just fill a seat.

In the end, Montoya’s resignation proves actions—or in this case, words—have consequences, even if it took a viral storm to enforce them. Let’s hope this serves as a lesson to leaders everywhere: represent, don’t resent. The public is watching, and thanks to platforms like Libs of TikTok, they’re not forgetting either.