St. Petersburg councilmember walks out of antisemitism resolution vote

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – St. Petersburg city councilmember John Muhammad walked out ahead of a resolution by the board recognizing a clearer definition of antisemitism Thursday.

“I have concerns about accepting this working definition as it stands,” Muhammad said. “Again, I know what it’s like to be falsely accused of being an antisemite and considered a hater based upon disagreements with dominant narratives and challenging the status quo.”

Muhammad later closed his laptop and stepped out of the meeting after the question was called by the board. Both Muhammad and councilmember Richie Floyd abstained from voting.

The motion otherwise passed unanimously by the six other members.

The vote follows a number of incidents involving antisemitism throughout Florida and the Tampa Bay region.

In a statement to Florida’s Voice, Muhammad said he “had several questions that were not able to be sufficiently answered by those who were present” and that he began his remarks by “affirming my support for the Jewish community.”

Muhammad expressed that his comments went over the time allowed and the question was called before he could conclude, resulting in an insufficient response to his inquiries, according to his statement.

“While I recognize the intent behind the proposed resolution and the urgent need to combat antisemitism, especially in the face of increasing incidents involving white supremacists, I would like to ensure we do so without compromising our commitment to free expression and the peaceful exchange of diverse ideas within our community,” Muhammad said in his statement.

Muhammad, also known as John C. Malone, has reportedly been involved with the Nation of Islam since joining in 1997. He was appointed to St. Petersburg’s City Council by a 4-3 margin in October 2022.

Jewish groups, including the Florida Holocaust Museum, have criticized Muhammad over his support for Louis Farrakhan, who is the leader of the Nation of Islam. Farrakhan is delineated as an antisemite by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

“It was stated I was not qualified for the job I’ve been doing for the last 11 months because someone I am affiliated with is called an antisemite,” Muhammad said. “This is somewhat personal to me also, and its important that we have these conversations and the discourse where we really can understand the nuances.”

Following the vote, city councilmember Brandi Gabbard expressed her support for passage of the resolution.

“We continue to say that hate has no place here, yet it continues to exist in our communities across the board … I just also want to say hate exists in so many different forms and for so many different people.”

“And in the world that we live in today, inciting hate against any person in our community or any community should not be tolerated regardless of the reason. We see people in positions of power specifically inciting this hate both publicly and behind the scenes. It is dangerous, it is irresponsible, and quite frankly, it disgusts me.”