Councilwoman receives death threats following Trump comments

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera said she has received death threats after controversial comments regarding supporters of President Donald Trump.

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Ajmera spoke one-on-one with Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster after Monday night’s City Council meeting.

“I always put my principles over politics,” she said.

Dozens of protesters and supporters filled seats in the council chamber Monday. The controversy stemmed from Ajmera saying last week that anyone who voted for Trump should not be on City Council.

“I was very disappointed, because I feel if the tables would’ve been turned and it was a Democratic president or Obama, that would’ve not been said or tolerated,” said Jenna Jordan, who stood alongside protesters carrying Trump campaign signs.

Ajmera told Channel 9 her comments were not against the Republican Party, but what she calls "Trump supporters."

“My comments were around whoever embraces those types of divisive cultures and dangerous policies,” Ajmera said.

During a brief press conference before the City Council meeting, Ajmera called for mutual respect. Some described that as hypocritical.

“I think there's a lot of irony in her statement, that one,” Charlotte resident Parker Cains said. “I think she's using tactics that have been displayed by the person she is claiming is very divisive.”

Several others expressed support for Ajmera, including Ray McKinnon.

“To say that her comments are just as divisive as President Trump’s is frankly laughable,” McKinnon said.

Some believe Ajmera’s comments were just to get attention because she is running for an at-large seat on City Council after being appointed to a district seat earlier this year. Foster asked her if she thinks the comments will hurt her chances.

“I’m not a politician,” she said.

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