Earlier today, I became aware of a deeply troubling social media post made by one of my colleagues on the Village Council in response to the tragic assassination of conservative activist, Charlie Kirk. As a mother and as your Mayor, I am both saddened and disturbed. Violence has no place in our community or in our nation, and words that seek to diminish or make light of such tragedy are equally harmful.
Regardless of political affiliation or public profile, acts of violence are never acceptable in a civil society. We must hold firm to the values that unite us: respect, compassion, and the unwavering belief that disagreements must be addressed through dialogue, not destruction.
As public officials, we are entrusted to lead by example and to uphold the values of respect, empathy, and civility that form the foundation of our democracy. We must model the kind of peaceful discourse that we want to see reflected in our society.
With this in mind, and with great respect for the office I hold, I must call for Councilman Cody to step down. The people of Palmetto Bay deserve leadership that reflects compassion, responsibility, and dignity in moments of crisis.
My deepest sympathies go out to Charlie Kirk’s family and to the families and loved ones of anyone affected by a horrific act. In moments like these, we must come together, not as partisans, but as people committed to peace, understanding, and the shared dignity of every human life.
— Mayor Karyn Cunningham
Village of Palmetto Bay