Norman City Councilmember Resigns Following Controversial Social Media Comment

In a significant political development, Bree Danyele Montoya, a city councilmember for Ward 3 in Norman, Oklahoma, has resigned effective immediately. This decision comes in the wake of a resurfaced Facebook comment in which she told a Trump supporter to harm herself. The comment gained national attention after being shared by the social media account Libs of TikTok, prompting widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

Background of the Incident

Montoya’s controversial comment dates back to June, during a heated exchange on Facebook with Audra Abbott, a local resident and Trump supporter. The discussion revolved around a protest labeled “No Kings,” where Montoya labeled Abbott as “uneducated” before escalating the situation with her harmful remark. Screenshots of this exchange circulated in local Facebook groups over the summer, but it wasn’t until Libs of TikTok amplified the incident that it gained significant traction.

The fallout from the comment has been swift. Critics argue that the city council’s inaction over the months allowed the situation to fester until it became a viral sensation. Following the uproar, the City of Norman issued a statement emphasizing that while elected officials express personal views, the city does not condone actions that may encourage harm.

Montoya’s Resignation

During a city council meeting on September 23, Montoya announced her resignation, stating, “In various capacities, I have served this community since 2008, and I am ready to pursue other interests.” Her resignation comes just months after she was re-elected in February 2025 and sworn in again on July 1. The rapid timeline of her departure has raised questions about the accountability of elected officials and the standards to which they are held.

Abbott, the recipient of Montoya’s comment, expressed her shock upon discovering the identity of the person behind the remark. “I can’t believe that an elected official would talk like that online,” she told local news outlet KOKH.

The Role of Social Media in Political Accountability

The incident highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping political narratives and holding public officials accountable. Chaya Raichik, the founder of Libs of TikTok, stated, “With a rising trend of violent left-wing extremists targeting conservatives, it is our duty to hold elected officials accountable for violent rhetoric.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend where social media platforms serve as battlegrounds for political discourse, often amplifying voices that challenge the status quo.

The rapid dissemination of information through social media has transformed how political accountability is perceived. In this case, it appears that the viral nature of Montoya’s comment was pivotal in prompting her resignation, suggesting that public scrutiny can lead to tangible consequences for elected officials.

City Officials Respond

In response to the incident, Norman’s Chief Communications Officer, Tiffany Martinez Vrska, reiterated the city’s stance on the matter. “The City of Norman as a municipal corporation does not support actions or behaviors that may encourage harm,” she stated. The city emphasized that elected officials speak for themselves when making personal remarks, distancing the municipal corporation from Montoya’s comments.

Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman addressed the incident during the council meeting, affirming the importance of free speech while also calling for a respectful and orderly environment. “While we honor the right to free speech, we must also maintain an environment that is respectful, orderly, and conducive to productive discussion,” he said. This statement underscores the delicate balance between upholding constitutional rights and ensuring a civil discourse within the community.

Historical Context

The incident involving Montoya is not an isolated case but rather part of a larger narrative concerning the conduct of public officials in the digital age. Over the past decade, numerous politicians have faced backlash for their social media activity, leading to resignations and public outcry. The rise of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok has made it easier for constituents to engage with their representatives, but it has also opened the door to missteps that can have serious repercussions.

Historically, public officials have been held to high standards of conduct, but the advent of social media has blurred the lines between personal and professional communication. The expectation for elected officials to maintain decorum is now more critical than ever, as their words can be scrutinized and shared widely in an instant.

Conclusion

Bree Montoya’s resignation serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media in modern politics. As public discourse continues to evolve, the expectations placed on elected officials will likely become even more stringent. The incident in Norman, Oklahoma, underscores the need for accountability and the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue in the political arena. As communities navigate these challenges, the role of social media will undoubtedly remain a pivotal factor in shaping the future of political engagement.