Newly re-elected Brookfield alderman to resign after multiple controversial anti-Muslim comments on social media
BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- After a series of controversial comments on social media, District 7 Alderman Kris Seals is stepping down from his position in Brookfield.
Seals, who was just re-elected to his seat, responded to multiple posts on his personal LinkedIn account targeting the Muslim community.
In one comment, he wrote, "They are a sick religion. This must stop. Deport them all."
Another comment said, "You going to cook them some BACON. And roll your bullets in the grease."
He also repeatedly spoke about cutting off hands and deporting people, adding "Save us all money and time."
"Our initial reaction was deep concern from our entire community. The remarks were not just offensive, they were dehumanizing and dangerous," said Fauzia Qureshi, the executive director for the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance. "And that kind of hate speech is obviously not something that is what an elected official should be doing, so it was very concerning, deeply offensive and really quite shocking."
Qureshi said the alliance then created a petition calling for Seals to step down, which received hundreds of signatures overnight.
District 4 Alderman Mike Hallquist said he wants Muslim members of Brookfield to know they belong.
"You are our neighbors, you are Brookfield, you are as every much Brookfield as my family or any family here," Ald. Hallquist said. "I understand people will speak out of turn and sometimes say things unintentionally, but there were repeated instances of just really vile and violent rhetoric that targeted members of our community, members he's supposed to represent."
Brookfield's city attorney confirmed with CBS 58 that Ald. Seals is resigning from his spot at noon on April 21, despite Seals initially refusing requests to do so.
Now, the council has to decide whether to appoint someone to fill the seat or hold a special election.
On Monday, April 13, Ald. Seals released a statement which reads in full:
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.
"Really, at the end of the day, stepping down reflects the seriousness of the situation," Qureshi said. "It's an important step and at the same time, it's important to recognize that harm was done. Rebuilding trust takes more than just words, and it requires meaningful, consistent action and a genuine commitment to understanding the community."