BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Recently re-elected City of Brookfield alderman Kris Seals resigns following posts on his now-deleted LinkedIn page calling for violence against Muslims.
Seals had originally refused to step down, but in a statement announcing his resignation says he apologizes to the Muslim community for his “insensitive and inappropriate statements”.
The posts on the since-deleted page included references to shooting Muslims with “bacon-wrapped bullets”.
Brookfield Mayor Steven Ponto responded when the posts became public.
Seals was first elected in 2022. His resignation is effective April 21.
In a statement from the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance:
Stepping down from public office was the right decision. We also appreciate his apology to the Muslim community, which is an important step toward accountability.
However, this moment must be understood in full. The rhetoric used was not only offensive, it was dehumanizing, dangerous, and fundamentally incompatible with the responsibility of public leadership. Words that target entire communities and suggest harm cannot be normalized, especially from those entrusted to serve.
“Accountability matters, and resignation was necessary,” said Fauzia Qureshi, Executive Director of WMCA. “But this situation is a stark reminder that leadership requires responsibility. When public officials use language that dehumanizes communities, it creates real fear and erodes trust.”
This outcome did not happen in isolation. It followed a powerful and unified response from the community, including a significant outpouring of individuals who signed the WMCA petition and demanded accountability, alongside local and state leaders who spoke out.
Together, this sent a clear and undeniable message: hate and harmful rhetoric have no place in public office.
WMCA is proud of how the community responded, with clarity, unity, and resolve. We will continue to stand firm in advocating for the dignity, safety, and inclusion of Muslim communities, our allies, and all communities targeted by hate, and for a society where every person, regardless of faith, background, or identity, is treated with respect.
We remain vigilant. We remain engaged. And we will continue to hold leaders to the standards our communities deserve.
