Downey Mayor Claudia Frometa recently opened up about receiving alarming death threats online, a situation that escalated after a fellow council member dubbed her the “MAGA mayor.” These threats have led her to urge local law enforcement, state legislators, and social media platforms to take serious action.
This week, Frometa shared her unsettling experiences, noting that the harassment began following the label. In a candid video posted on social media, she revealed one of the chilling messages she received, reading, “We’re going to kill her for treason. It should have been your family who got stabbed in the library.” This statement particularly resonated with her as it brought back haunting memories of a tragic incident last year, where a man lost his life just outside the Downey Public Library while charging his vehicle.
Frometa expressed her distress as a mother, stating, “As a mother, it shook me to my core.” The threats she received reportedly came through official city communication channels, prompting an investigation by the Downey Police Department. Regardless of whether any criminal charges arise, the mayor has made it clear that such violent rhetoric cannot be tolerated.
Taking a Stand Against Hate Speech
In her statement, Frometa highlighted the grave consequences of political divisiveness, asserting, “This type of rhetoric, political divisions and strife are fanning the flames of hatred and fanning the flames of potential criminal threats.” She is now calling upon state lawmakers and social media companies to enhance protections against online threats and enforce accountability for users who hide behind their screens.
With an unwavering support for the First Amendment, the mayor firmly believes that death threats do not qualify as protected speech. She seeks to foster a community where such threats are neither accepted nor normalized.
