BROOKFIELD, Wis. - A Brookfield alderman is resigning after controversial comments about Muslims and immigrants first reported by FOX6 News sparked backlash.
City confirms resignation
What we know:
The City of Brookfield announced Monday, April 13, that Alderman Kris Seals is stepping down following the controversy surrounding remarks he made online.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
His resignation is effective at noon on Tuesday, April 21. He would have been sworn in that day during the council meeting, as he ran unopposed during last week's election.
The council will determine who fills Seals' seat.
Alderman issues apology
What they're saying:
In a statement, Seals apologized to the Muslim community:
"I would like to apologize to the Muslim community for my insensitive and inappropriate statements I made online. I spoke to a member of the Community over the weekend, and he educated me on the Community and their willingness to forgive. I appreciate they are willing to forgive me for the rude statements I made. I look forward to meeting with them and to get an even better understanding of the Community."
FOX6 News first reported controversy
The backstory:
FOX6 originally reported on Seals’ comments, which included remarks about Muslims and immigrants that quickly drew criticism from community members and local leaders.
Brookfield alderman stands by Muslim, immigrant comments
Brookfield Ald. Kris Seals is standing by controversial comments on his since-deleted LinkedIn profile about Muslims and immigrants.
Seals initially stood by controversial comments on his since-deleted LinkedIn profile.
Bret Lemoine: "'They are a sick religion. This must stop. Deport them all.' Is that you?"
Seals: "I won't admit or deny."
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
At first, Seals would not say if the LinkedIn page where the comments were posted was his. But after a few minutes, he referenced several of the posts.
Seals: "It’s obnoxious, these people."
Lemoine: "'These people' being Muslims?"
Seals: "Being extreme Muslims. Let's make sure you get that word in there. It's not all Muslims."
Following the backlash, Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto called the comments "reprehensible" and urged Seals to resign. City officials also noted there were limited options for disciplining an elected official.
Reaction
CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw
"We welcome this resignation as a necessary step toward accountability and reaffirm the importance of public officials rejecting violent hate in all its forms. This goes for members of Congress and other national figures who are actively promoting the expulsion and even destruction of American Muslims. The majority of Americans who reject such bigotry must demand better from policymakers at the local and national level."
Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto
"…recent headlines have tested our community in other ways. Brookfield, you deserve better. Our city leaders should reject hate, not contribute to it or give it a platform. Let me be clear, there is no place in our city for hateful or divisive rhetoric of any kind. That is not who we are, and it is not what we stand for. I will continue to lead with respect, integrity, and a commitment to bringing the people of our community together."
Original report
This browser does not support the Video element.
Brookfield alderman stands by Muslim, immigrant comments
Brookfield Ald. Kris Seals is standing by controversial comments on his since-deleted LinkedIn profile about Muslims and immigrants after a resident shared them with FOX6 News.
The Source: FOX6 News previously interviewed Seals and reviewed his LinkedIn profile, which was later deleted, and utilized his press release upon resignation.