PALM BAY, Fla. – A Palm Bay councilman has sued the city that censured him a week ago over controversial social media posts against Indian immigrants.
Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini filed the lawsuit on behalf of Chandler Langevin in federal court.
Sabatini said Langevin’s censure was a clear First Amendment violation.
[WATCH: Palm Bay Council votes to censure Councilman Chandler Langevin]
Langevin came under fire for recent posts on the social media site X.com, saying, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States. They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.”
Langevin remained defiant, even as Palm Bay’s mayor, other members of the city council and other Brevard County politicians publicly disagreed with Langevin’s remarks.
[WATCH: Palm Bay councilman’s social media post about Indian immigrants prompts suspension call]
However, Langevin stood by his words, though he eventually issued a statement apologizing for his tone.
Langevin threatened to sue the city if the censure went through but last week, the council approved the censure 3-2.
The council also asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove Langevin from office.