Last week, Tarrant City Councilman Tommy Bryant drew immense public backlash after his use of a racial epithet in the midst of a heated exchange during a council meeting.
Bryant was confronted by Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton regarding Facebook posts published by his wife that included the “n-word,” to which Bryant responded by stating that his wife’s comments aren’t representative of him.
Bryant’s attitude swiftly turned combative after a fellow council member echoed concerns over his wife’s controversial posts.
“Let’s get to the n-word,” said Bryant.
The councilman would go on to point in the direction of black city councilwoman Veronica Freeman and say, “Do we have a house n***** in here? Do we? Hey. Would she please stand up?”
Bryant alleged that his use of the slur was in reference to words spoken by Mayor Newton, which he denies.
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth (R-AL) took to social media to publicly call for Bryant’s resignation and offered his assistance to anyone willing to challenge the councilman in his next election.
Councilman Bryant should resign and apologize. This is sad and Is racism, let’s call it what it is. God made everyone in his image, period. If anyone wants to run against this guy, I will gladly help you beat him so we can retire this type behavior. https://t.co/CJPjNPYJTw
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) July 25, 2021
The tweet reads, “Councilman Bryant should resign and apologize. This is sad and Is racism, let’s call it what it is. God made everyone in his image, period. If anyone wants to run against this guy, I will gladly help you beat him so we can retire this type behavior.”
Accompanying the state’s second-highest ranking officeholder in denouncing Bryant’s racially charged language was the Alabama Democratic Party as well as Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl.
In comments to the media, Bryant struck a defiant tone when asked if he had plans to resign.
“Oh, absolutely not. Absolutely not,” said Bryant. “I may consider running for mayor next time.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News
