Protesters Call for Hagen’s Resignation

Members of the Justice City Coalition and a small group of community members gathered at City Hall in response to controversial remarks made by Mayor Bruce Hagen calling President Obama a Muslim. 

“As we stand here this morning, a community in search of answers, direction and unification, we find ourselves in a leaderless void, still waiting for you Mr. Hagen to take responsibility for your words and actions,” said Community Activist Kym Young. 

The groups are calling for a retraction of the statement, an apology, and for Hagen to resign. None of which has happened thus far, leading to the protest. 

“What truly hurts Mr. Hagen is not once in the days following your initial comments, not once did you stop and consider the ramifications of the members of this community,” said Young. 

The controversial comment drew local, national and international attention, even bringing in people from outside of Superior to stand in solidarity with the community. 

“We felt that in this season of thankfulness and peace, we thought it was time to stand up peacefully and say no we don’t stand for hate,” said Stillwater resident Maureen Reed. 

The demonstrators are standing in support of a City Council censure of the Mayor and calling for a no-confidence vote in Hagen’s leadership.

“We stand here wishing to see justice done. We wish to see this deplorable situation made right. We wish to begin healing and move forward,” said Young. 

Mayor Bruce Hagen is out of the office on vacation, but we did reach him by phone. He said “this is a tragic event and I’m going to do everything I can to bring our community together and accept responsibility for what happened.”

Hagen says he is planning a meeting with representatives of the local Muslim community. 

He also wants to work through this with the Muslim community and the people of Superior and try to rebuild and move on. 

The protesters are calling for an economic boycott of all City of Superior and mayoral events.