PARIS (AP) — An East Texas city council member resigned amid backlash over a social media response he made about a protest about the death of George Floyd, who was killed at the hands of Minneapolis police more than a week ago.
Video shows former officer David Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as Floyd shouted, “I can’t breathe.”
The situation sparked nationwide outrage, protests and unrest.
Paris City Council member Benny Plata messaged a protester, “Why don’t you leave America if it’s so bad,” The Paris News reported.
Mayor Steve Clifford called the meeting to censure Plata after the incident, he also said Plata should step down.
Paris City Council member Benny Plata submitted his resignation Tuesday at a special meeting.
“Our nation is in turmoil over the death of Mr. George Floyd and also due to the pandemic,” the mayor said on Facebook. “Our leaders have a special responsibility to the citizens during this difficult time.”
Speaking at the emergency meeting, Plata said, “I really care about the city I serve, and I was responding to one person berating America.”
Plata had been on the council since May 11 after his unopposed election.
Paris is about 103 miles Northeast of Dallas.
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