USA: Palm Bay official refuses to apologize over anti-Islam remarks

Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin has refused to apologize after making remarks on social media suggesting that Islam “does not belong” in the United States, The Independent reported.

Langevin, a Republican, posted the comment in response to a Florida state senator who claimed his home was targeted by threats from “Muslim terrorists.”

Langevin wrote that Islam exists to “conquer Christendom and end the Jewish people,” prompting criticism from community members and online users.

Despite backlash, including criticism at a city council meeting where a resident called his statement “racist foolishness,” Langevin stood by his words, saying, “I said what I said.” He later clarified that he was referring to the “political component” of Islam, not individual Muslims.

Critics argue that such rhetoric echoes past anti-Muslim sentiments used to justify policies like the Trump-era travel ban. The Southern Poverty Law Center warns that some groups misrepresent Islamic teachings to portray the religion as a threat.