PALM BAY, Fla. – The city of Palm Bay is not ready to go to trial against one of its own councilmen.
Last fall, Chandler Langevin sued Palm Bay when the council censured him over what he wrote on social media about immigrants from India.
His first post read, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States.”
Public comment at city council meetings that followed was critical of Langevin’s comments.
There are certainly Americans that have Indian heritage but they are still Americans.
— Chandler Langevin (@ChandlerForPB) October 2, 2025
That said they are a small percentage of all Indians and Americans of Indian descent in the country.
There is a significant issue with illegal Indians, H1-b abuse, and even naturalized… https://t.co/Z1UydTBUHN
“The words you used put my children and other children of other color, or whatever, in harm,” one man said.
“Quite frankly, as long as I’m not breaking the law, I’ll say whatever I damn well please,” Langevin responded.
This week, the city’s attorney filed an emergency motion to postpone the trial over the lawsuit.
[BELOW: Attorney for censured Palm Bay councilman speaks after federal court hearing]
Trial was supposed to start in two weeks, and while the city wrote it worked diligently to prepare for trial, the motion listed reasons why the city needs more time like the holiday schedule and short-staffing.
Attorney Anthony Sabatani said Langevin’s ready to go to trial.
“You can have controversial views. You can have a view that no one likes,” Sabatini told News 6 in December.
[BELOW: Palm Bay councilman threatens legal action against possible Palm Bay censure]
Sabatini has argued the council violated the First Amendment by censuring Langevin and attempting to limit his power.
The city attorney’s office held a special meeting over the lawsuit Thursday night.
It was closed to the public, but anyone can go to the regular city council meeting that follows.
Stick with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on a new trial date.