Norman council member resigns after Libs of TikTok viral post

Bree Montoya, a Norman, Oklahoma, city council member for Ward 3, resigned effective immediately on Sept. 23 after a Facebook comment telling a Trump supporter to harm herself resurfaced and went viral when shared by Libs of TikTok.

The exchange dates back to June, when Montoya and constituent Audra Abbott argued on Facebook about the size of a No Kings protest. Montoya called Abbott “uneducated” and escalated by telling her to harm herself. Screenshots of the exchange circulated in local Facebook groups in the ensuing months before Libs of TikTok amplified the posts, drawing national scrutiny to Norman’s local government. Norman officials stressed that while elected officials speak for themselves, the city does not support actions or behaviors that may encourage harm. The city also noted that the ward vacancy will be filled in the coming weeks under Norman’s council–manager structure.

Montoya, who has served the Norman community in various capacities since 2008, was first elected to the council in 2023, re-elected in February 2025, sworn in again on July 1, and resigned less than three months later. At the Sept. 23 meeting, Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman acknowledged the incident and reiterated the city’s stance on maintaining a respectful environment while upholding First Amendment rights. “As your mayor, I want to affirm our commitment to upholding the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution,” Holman said. “While we honor the right to free speech, we must also maintain an environment that is respectful, orderly and conducive to productive discussion.”

The affair has drawn reactions from residents and outside groups. Audra Abbott, the commenter involved, told Fox affiliate KOKH she was shocked to learn who had written the post. Libs of TikTok founder Chaya Raichik told Fox News Digital that the platform aims to hold elected officials accountable for violent or threatening rhetoric, and argued that the spread of the posts underscores a broader concern about political violence. Raichik asserted that Libs of TikTok would continue to spotlight leaders who promote violence or threaten public safety, a position she framed as part of a broader effort to counter what she described as escalating far-left violence. Norman officials, for their part, emphasized that the city operates under a council–manager model and that the vacancy will be filled in accordance with the city’s procedures.

The online dispute began in June, with discussions in local groups before the posts gained wider visibility. Critics have said the Norman City Council did not act quickly enough to address the controversy, while supporters argued the matter was a personal dispute between private individuals circulating in public spaces. The city’s communications office stressed that public service continues, even as it contends with the need to maintain decorum and respect in council proceedings. The vacancy process is expected to proceed in the weeks ahead, with candidates and residents watching closely as the council votes to appoint or elect a replacement for Ward 3.

Ultimately, the resignation marks a notable moment for Norman’s local governance, illustrating how national online platforms can affect municipal leadership. The city intends to move forward with the vacancy while reaffirming its commitment to professional conduct within its chambers and to ensuring that residents feel heard in a constructive, lawful civic environment.

The situation continues to unfold as Norman works to balance free expression with a respectful forum for debate. Libs of TikTok’s involvement and the national attention surrounding the case have prompted renewed discussion about accountability for public officials and the boundaries of civil discourse in local government. As Ward 3 awaits its new representative, the city says it remains committed to serving all residents while upholding standards of conduct expected of public officials.

The Norman City Council will determine the method and timing for filling Montoya’s seat, with a vacancy anticipated to be announced in the weeks ahead. The city’s communications team reiterated that elected officials speak only for themselves when making personal remarks and that the municipal corporation remains focused on delivering public services and maintaining the integrity of its meetings. The case has underscored the ongoing tension between political expression and civil discourse in American local government, especially as online platforms expand the reach of private disagreements into the public sphere.