Newport Mayor Dean Sawyer Steps Down Amid Backlash Over Hateful Facebook Posts
Newport Mayor Dean Sawyer has resigned following public outrage over his years-long history of posting hateful content in a private police Facebook group. The posts, which included mocking immigrants, Spanish speakers, transgender women, and encouraging violence against women and crime suspects, were condemned by community members and city officials. Sawyer apologized for his actions, acknowledging that they do not reflect his values and expressing remorse for the harm caused. The City Council will now discuss how to fill the vacant mayoral position.