Check CU recently published an article about Champaign City Council members Alicia Beck and Michael Foellmer giving two senior citizens the boot at Tuesday’s Council meeting.  Albert and Claudia Morr approached the Council to express their concerns about rising gun violence in Champaign after a bullet from a nearby shootout went through their front window and into their home.

The Morrs’ commentary during public input caused District 2 Councilwoman Alicia Beck to become nothing short of irate.  Banging her fist on the table, Beck accused the Morrs of only being concerned about gun violence in white neighborhoods. 

“I don’t want to hear it!” said Beck, who then told the Morrs not to come back.  District 4 Council member Michael Feollmer cheered Beck on.  Video of the exchange can be seen at the bottom of this article.

Beck’s tirade caused considerable backlash, as many residents saw it as moral grandstanding.  After her lecture, the Mayor and other Council members either cheered Beck or remained silent.  Many in the community felt that the night’s events only served to create a feeling of hostility toward residents who may wish to approach the Council.

Despite the public outcry, Beck and Foellmer remain unapologetic.  They released the following statement:

“First, we’d like to start by thanking the many community members who have reached out to express their shared concerns about gun violence and the impact on our community. Like everyone, we continue to be deeply concerned about the gun violence in our city. This is why we supported a unanimously approved comprehensive plan put together in collaboration with City staff. We regret that members of our community feel that our recent public comments lacked respect for their concerns. That is not at all the case. As was stated on Tuesday night, we are grateful that community members show up to provide their opinions. Together we can all make a difference for the most vulnerable citizens of our community.

ALICIA BECK AND MICHAEL FOELLMER”

Video of the Morr & Beck exchange at the February 15^th City Council meeting can be seen below (Check CU has edited down the Morrs’ commentary, which exceeded five minutes.  The full Council video can be seen here, and the Morrs speak at the 45 minute mark).