After being embroiled in a sordid scandal, North Carolina Rep. Cecil Brockman faces potential expulsion from the state House. Brockman has been charged with a series of sex crimes involving a 15-year-old, including indecent liberties and statutory r*pe.
For context, House Speaker Destin Hall has formed a bipartisan committee to examine the case and past precedents, emphasizing Brockman’s right to due process. Despite that, however, Democratic and Republican leaders, including NC Democratic chairwoman Anderson Clayton and House leader Robert Reives, urged Brockman to resign.
Describing the current state of proceedings, House Speaker Destin Hall announced, “We’re at the beginning stages of that process.” Adding more details, he revealed, “If those things are true, then he has no business serving in the state House. He’s got a right to due process in the criminal court system. He’s got a right to some due process here as a member of the House.”
Likewise, Democratic House leader Robert Reives called for the disgraced politician to resign after the details were made public: “I hope he will do what is best for him in this circumstance, and I think resignation makes the most sense at this point,” Reives said.
In an earlier statement, Robert Reives reiterated the same points: “This is a developing situation, and it is important to let the legal process unfold. The allegations against Rep. Brockman are serious and, if true, would disqualify him from public office. As we continue to learn more about the allegations against Rep. Brockman this morning, it has become clear that he is unable to continue serving in the House of Representatives. Rep. Brockman must resign immediately,” he said.
Agreeing, Rep. Bryan Cohn (D-Durham) made it clear that these actions are entirely unacceptable and that Brockman must resign. The Democrat said, “These allegations are unconscionable and incompatible with public service. He should resign immediately. No one is above the law.”
Even Brockman’s own party threw him under the bus. The North Carolina Democratic Party declared, “The North Carolina Democratic Party calls on Representative Brockman to immediately resign. The profound seriousness of these criminal charges makes it impossible for him to effectively represent his community.”
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Likewise, House Majority Leader Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) issued an unqualified condemnation. “This behavior is appalling and has no place in the General Assembly. I am calling on Brockman’s resignation immediately,” he noted.
Rounding out the condemnations, Gov. Josh Stein (D) made it clear that these allegations were grave. He noted, “The charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling, and while the criminal justice process takes effect, he cannot be effective representing his constituents, and he should resign.”
Enraged by this story, conservative influencer Libs of TikTok said, “BREAKING: North Carolina State Rep Cecil Brockman (D) has been arrested and charged with STATUTORY R*PE of a 13-15 year-old minor.” Building on this point, she added more context, saying, “Brockman also reportedly tried to ‘use his status to gain information’ about the victim’s location while the victim was at the hospital. He must RESIGN!”
Conservatives were justifiably outraged by the scandal. One commentator reacted, “I’m going to keep saying it until something is done about it… This man HAS A YOUTH ACADEMIC CENTER NAMED AFTER HIM!!!!!!!!! TEAR HIS NAME OFF THE WALLS!!!!!!!!!!
Watch the local media’s report on Brockman’s alleged crimes: