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Wyoming Councilman Under Fire for Suggesting State Should “Hang Bad Judges” After Abortion Ruling
A Wyoming city councilman is facing significant backlash after suggesting the state should “hang bad judges” in response to a court ruling that temporarily blocked Wyoming’s six-week abortion ban.
Troy Bray, who serves on the Powell City Council, made the controversial comment on a Facebook post shared by Democratic State Rep. Mike Yin. The post referenced a Natrona County judge’s decision to temporarily block the state’s so-called “heartbeat” abortion law, allowing abortions to resume while legal challenges to the legislation continue.
“In order for Wyoming to find justice, we will have to hang bad judges,” Bray wrote in his comment.
The remark quickly drew criticism from other social media users, with many characterizing the statement as dangerous and inappropriate, especially coming from an elected official during a time of heightened political tensions.
Following the backlash, Bray defended his comment in a lengthy follow-up post, insisting it was “a statement of my beliefs, NOT a threat” and not intended as a call for others to act. He claimed he is working to address what he sees as systemic issues “by any means necessary,” though he added that he intends to pursue peaceful solutions.
“I will exhaust every peaceful means I can find,” he wrote.
In his defense, Bray argued that Wyoming’s judicial system is “broken” and accused judges of overstepping their authority. He claimed courts are often the “last place you will ever find justice” and that the legal system remains inaccessible to ordinary people.
“Lawyers file frivolous lawsuits intended to use the system as a punishment, financially draining their adversaries with a process that is formatted to require a specialist lawyer just to participate,” Bray wrote. “Show up without a lawyer, and you aren’t even allowed to present an argument. Justice is denied to anybody who doesn’t pay for it.”
The controversial remarks come amid ongoing legal battles over Wyoming’s abortion restrictions. Republican Governor Mark Gordon signed the fetal heartbeat abortion restriction in March, though he acknowledged at the time that legal challenges were likely to follow.
The temporary blocking of the six-week ban represents another chapter in Wyoming’s contentious abortion debate. The state has become one of several battlegrounds where abortion access is being contested following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which returned abortion regulation to individual states.
Wyoming’s current legal situation reflects a broader national trend where courts are increasingly being asked to determine the constitutionality of new abortion restrictions. These judicial decisions have intensified political rhetoric on both sides of the issue.
State Rep. Yin, whose post prompted Bray’s controversial comment, had emphasized the importance of constitutional rights and healthcare access. “The legislature should obey the Constitution and the freedom to make your own healthcare choices. Instead we keep making it harder to keep doctors in Wyoming and kids in this state,” Yin wrote, adding that “the only way that changes is at the ballot box.”
The incident highlights the increasingly polarized nature of political discourse around contentious issues like abortion, particularly in states where new restrictions are being implemented and challenged. It also raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable rhetoric from elected officials when criticizing judicial decisions they disagree with.
Legal experts have noted that threats against judges—real or perceived—have risen in recent years, making comments like Bray’s particularly concerning to those who monitor the safety of public officials.
When reached for comment, Bray did not provide an additional response regarding the controversy surrounding his statement.
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8 Comments
Suggesting ‘hanging bad judges’ is an appalling and unacceptable statement from a public official. Elected leaders must uphold the integrity of the judicial system, not undermine it through inflammatory rhetoric. I hope the councilman faces consequences for this remark.
While the abortion ruling may be controversial, calling for hanging judges is an extreme and inappropriate response. Elected leaders should be working to uphold the rule of law, not promote extralegal actions. I hope the councilman reconsiders his stance.
The councilman’s remarks are highly concerning and inappropriate. As an elected official, he should be setting an example of civil discourse, not making violent statements. I hope he issues a sincere apology and reflects on the impact of his words.
This is a concerning comment from an elected official. While emotions may be running high, calls for violence are never appropriate, even in jest. I hope the councilman reflects on the gravity of his words and apologizes.
Suggesting ‘hanging bad judges’ is a deeply troubling statement from an elected official. Judges should be held accountable through lawful channels, not threats of violence. This type of rhetoric is unacceptable and could incite real harm.
I understand the frustration with the abortion ruling, but the councilman’s comment is deeply troubling. Elected officials have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and democratic norms, not promote extremism. I hope he reconsiders his stance.
Judges should be accountable, but suggesting hanging them crosses a line. There are lawful ways to address judicial decisions one disagrees with, such as appealing through the legal system. Inflammatory rhetoric can escalate tensions and risks inciting harm.
While the abortion decision may be controversial, calls for violence against judges set a dangerous precedent. Elected leaders should model civil discourse, even when they disagree with court rulings. There are appropriate legal channels to challenge laws.