Keene City Councilor Bobby Williams is facing mounting pressure to resign following a series of inflammatory online comments that residents say crossed the line of decency and decorum.
In posts made on his personal Facebook account, Williams referred to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk as a “dirtbag” and a “piece of [expletive],” adding that Kirk “promoted gun violence and died by gun violence.” When a commenter urged Williams to consider how Kirk’s family might feel, the councilor responded: “His wife made her choice. His kids need to know.”
Williams later deleted the posts following public backlash, but screenshots had already circulated. He explained the deletions by claiming they were prompted by “transphobic remarks,” a justification many residents have called a deflection. He also labeled all of his critics as “far-right extremists,” further intensifying the controversy.
Public reaction has been swift. As of this writing, 741 people have signed an online petition calling for Williams to step down or be removed from office. A Facebook group has also been created to organize around city council accountability.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about respect,” said Keene resident Mary Collins, who signed the petition. “If a councilor can speak that way about someone’s death, how can we trust him to represent all of us?”
Others voiced concern about the example being set. “When our leaders resort to name-calling and cruelty, it trickles down,” said James Porter, another resident. “We need councilors who rise above division, not fuel it.”
In addition, Keene residents are calling on every member of the City Council to issue individual statements regarding Williams’ remarks. Advocates say silence from fellow councilors risks signaling acceptance of behavior they describe as unprofessional and harmful.
Williams has not publicly apologized for his comments, and as of press time, he remains in his position. The controversy has raised broader questions about standards of conduct for local elected officials, as well as how the city council should respond when a member’s behavior draws public outrage.
Keene residents are expected to bring the matter forward at upcoming council meetings, with some requesting it be entered into the public record for discussion.
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