From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MIAMI, Fla. –Former Miss Alabama of 1993, Kalyn Chapman James, in a Facebook video referred to the Dallas gunman who killed five officers as a martyr.
The gunman, Micah Johnson, shot and killed the officers as they protected Black Lives Matter protesters while they marched through the streets of downtown Dallas.
“I value human life,” James said. “And I want to feel sad for them, but I can’t help but feeling like the shooter was a martyr.”
James is a UAB grad now living in Miami and was working at WPBT, but the station released a statement indicating, without using her name, that James has been placed on administrative leave:
WPBT2 South Florida PBS does not condone the personal statements made by one of its independent contractors regarding the events in Dallas. It placed the contractor on administrative leave while it actively and carefully looks further into the matter and will determine additional course of actions based on its thorough review of the mater.
via Twitter
Nan Teninbaum, President of Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc., released the following statement on the organization’s Facebook page Tuesday morning: “Kalyn Chapman James was Miss Alabama 23 years ago in 1993. The opinions she expressed are her own, and do not represent the viewpoint of the current Miss Alabama or the Miss Alabama Organization. We have nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation for the men and women of law enforcement, and would never condone violence of any kind.”
You can watch the entire video below.
Kalyn Chapman James, Miss Alabama 1993.
Photo via Facebook
159 Comments
Buster Joe Baker
Here is some insight sista. get a friggin perspecive. http://www.dailywire.com/news/7264/5-statistics-you-need-know-about-cops-killing-aaron-bandler
Buster Joe Baker
Here is some insight sista. get a friggin perspecive. http://www.dailywire.com/news/7264/5-statistics-you-need-know-about-cops-killing-aaron-bandler
Jason Lynn
Wow another article to promote more hate and division… I just wish we would quit giving a platform to every ignorant quote out there.
Jason Lynn
Wow another article to promote more hate and division… I just wish we would quit giving a platform to every ignorant quote out there.
Carl Crow
Do they judge intelligence?
Carl Crow
Do they judge intelligence?
Scott Sizemore
Idiot.
Scott Sizemore
Idiot.
Sheila Johnson Sutton
Wow. She should be ashamed for that attitude. Innocent people died at the hand of that man. He is no martyr.
Pedro Ruiz
Apparently not
Pedro Ruiz
Apparently not
Robbie McDonald Champion
Dumb ass
Marty Beebe
I’m sick of people playing the race card. I approve them using the robot to blow the guy up. He got some Texas justice.
Pedro Ruiz
Elaine Taylor Beach
Might better check her Internet activity to make sure she isn’t being radicalized.
Jenni Scott
This makes me very sad.
George Abrasley
He’s a pile of sh;t!!!!
George Abrasley
He’s a pile of sh;t!!!!
Richard Norton
The only reason this is “news” is because it is rare for someone to say it..oh and because Truss Trib wants to sensationalize.
Mary Jones
Social media spreads hate like a plague.
Joe Domnanovich
Seems like its the ignorant “Former” Miss Alabama that is spreading the hate.
Melanie Rozelle
Shes just starting more shit! Keep trying to divide us even more. You are an idiot moron that keeps stirring the pot.
Matthew Norman
Beauty with no class
Gaynelle Jones
Not sure she understands the meaning of the word martyr. Using her definition all shooters would be martyrs. Don’t think so.
Leia Windham
Does she know what the definition of a martyr is? Pretty outside but maybe not so pretty inside.
Lori Martin Glover
Hate this.
Philip Sharpe
I prefer to pay attention to the ignorant comments. If you do t refute them they are taken by many as legitimate.
Lonna Garewal
Have her title removed for backing a hate group…
Cheryl Burks
This is just ridiculous and really sad.
James D. Dunn
You can’t breed or educate it out of some people.
Susan Wainscott Duke
She is crazy.
Jason Lynn
I just do not understand why the opinions of a pageant winning from 1993 is news worthy… All this does is stir the pot more for the divide we are seeing in our country. This country needs more compassion and love and less hate and anger.
David Livingston
It frustrates me to no end how she, and others, attempt justify the killing of these officers. The shooter in Dallas was a murderer regardless of why and there is no justification.
Cecilia Kirk
She’s entitled to her opinion, even if it is ignorant and uncaring. Hope she gets put on hold next time she calls 911.
Dennis Palmer
No words…
David Gossett
So murder is ok! Hope she never needs an officer.
Scott Wheeler
Should be stripped of anything to do with pageants, for life
Jason Lynn
http://bit.ly/29ymUt3
This is the type of articles we need to share.
Ricky Burch
Lord please help me keep my mouth shut right now. I can’t take much more of this kind of crap! What an ignorant b*tch!
Julie Harris Smith
Ashley Davis Sandlin does Miss Alabama organization allow or condone this?
Joanna Miller Lucia
Smh
Pat Morris
If this is true….she should lose this former crown. how would that work?
Jimmy Stidham
If she said he is a martyr! Thin she must be a farter.How stupid.
Shauna Creekmore Mercer
Jesus was a martyr, this man was a coward!!
Paul Tucker
and this is a part of the problem…
Sharon Gould
He was a coward or mentally ill.
Vernon A Clark
she should apologize for what she said to the families of the police officers that got killed in Dallas TX. the black communities needs to show respect to the police officers that serve and protect the communities they live in and when they are stopped show respect to the policeman that stops you and follow his or her instructions they tell you and the policeman will respect you back and stop blaming the police for your bad behavior.
Gary Smith
Ignorance!!!
Josie Smith
Real sad
Charlene Wilson Scharf
She doesn’t need church. She needs God almighty!
Brenda Jay Graffeo
Have no words for this!
Marlene Little Appleton
She does not represent most of the Alabamans i know!!
Gena Ray Cranford
“I want to feel sad for them.” Huh?? You idiot. I am ashamed she is associated with our state.
Charlotte Sumner Culton
Don’t promote her agenda Scott! That’s what she wants .
Leslie Nelson Martin
how disgusting
Diane Swift Jackson
WTF! This is what is wrong with the world!
Caitlin Wells Denard
What an idiot.
Donna Newsome
Just goes to show that you can dress someone up but you can’t take them out…you need to leave them at home and with no internet service !
Mike Wainman
She is a disgrace to our state. She should have not said anything .
Janice Gafnea Gallagher
She needs her crown and title taken away. How ridiculous and crazy she is.
Yancy Morris
She may be pretty but obviously is not that bright or is a blatant racist. Murder, for any reason, is wrong and a criminal act. People who commit this crime are generally called criminals, not martyrs. Two things come to mind when I read the comments attributed to this human. One, you can’t fix stupid, and you can’t reason with a fool.
Janeene Lide Snuggs
Idiot!
Tony Brown
Total moron. Have some respect. Act like a real human being. Jeez these people make me sick.
Dela Pur
Well, she’s actually sharing her heart by being very honest. She has said in her own words that she has a “heart problem.” Now I Don’t know What Type Of Church She Attends But She Need Some Abraham Issac And Jacob God’s help (if what she say is true). NOW ON THE OTHER HAND ***…*sounded” like she was crying, but I didn’t see her wipe not one tear*** —-“maybe” she just wanted attention —- ****
Sandra Merchant
She should be de-throned!!!
Ashley Knight Thimaras
What an embarrassment to the state of Alabama. Disgusting.
Mitzi Seales
The crown should be stripped!
Ann Webb Bradford
That someone who was given so many gifts in her life by the Creator can feel this way is just disgusting.
Ryan Gunnells
Beauty Pageant Queens are not selected for their intelligence… If it were, they would call it would be called Jeopardy.
Frog Price
This idiot needs to be shut down! How stupid of her to say this…
She is the worst of her kind. The poster child for birth control.
Christie Darden Gingras
What a disgrace for this woman to have represented Alabama.
Cindy Buckner
Sadly I have seen so many celebrating the killing of these police. I also asked one if her employer would agree and it came down so fast…. Funny how that works!!!
Joni Waltner Ellington
She’s a nut!!!
Charles Bush
We seem to have an epidemic of stupidity in this country. I think a lot of Americans have lost their damn minds!
Briana Hilder Moore
Because while she is a low-level celebrity, she still surely has a large following who listen to her hate-spewing. How could anyone with an ounce of compassion for another human being say what she said?!?
Briana Hilder Moore
This I can agree with!!
Harold Clements
The gunman was a MUR DER ER, not a martyr.
Lucinda Walker
What an idiot. Next time she needs help she should call her young innocent black men. not the law. Please don’t tell anyone you are from Alabama. Oh my Lord, help us, this is what we are raising.
Terri McFarland
She makes me sick! Let her face the families of the police officers!
Anne Snider Steward
Another narcissist in the world not giving a damn about anyone but herself. I dont feel anything for her. Another dead soul taking up air.
Marsha Helton
How utterly ignorant can one be? There She Is!
Jerry Sager
I’m quite sure that where he is today, race is the last thing on his mind. All he wants right now is a drink of water. But, he will never get one.
Linda Green Thomas
Obviously she is a bigoted idiot.
Wendy Luciano
unbelievable!
Ed Hollis
She’s a nut
Greg Widick
Missing all The ATTENTION this woman . What a selfish disgrace of a person .
Jane Scoggins
So wrong…..murder is murder. And he was a coward that murdered.
Ashley L. Hill
A Martyr??? How about a MURDERER!!! What an embarrassment to our state!!
Pamela Whittington Shepard
He was a cold blooded killler! Not a martyr! So sorry she feels that way.
Kip Brannon
SHAMEFUL!
Scott Buttram
Charlotte, I think your concern is a fair one. But I would point out that she has a celebrity status by virtue of being the first African-American Miss Alabama and a television host in a large market that has already given her a platform to promote her agenda. Police killed in the line of duty is up 44% in 2016. My fear is not that people hear her words. My fear is that people don’t hear her and understand that she isn’t the only one that feels this way. There is an incredibly dangerous undertone in the rhetoric across the nation right now. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Mary D. Blakeney Davidson-Dawson
He is no martyr…He is a cold blooded cowardly murder!! Do we have to claim her as being from Alabama?
Sharlene Fowler
Unfortunately I agree with you, Scott. Apathy is a real issue in our nation. I think that is why people will vote for Hilary, too, so they can say they voted for the first female president!
Carole Helton Cope
It discussed me to listen to what she said. All lives matter and I am sick of Black lives matter. The human race lives matter. It’s a very sad day when someone like her can speak and so many hear her, martyr I think not I know a murderer. When is everyone going to wake up and realize we are humans..Sad…
Carole Helton Cope
It discussed me to listen to what she said. All lives matter and I am sick of Black lives matter. The human race lives matter. It’s a very sad day when someone like her can speak and so many hear her, martyr I think not I know a murderer. When is everyone going to wake up and realize we are humans..Sad…
Carole Helton Cope
It discussed me to listen to what she said. All lives matter and I am sick of Black lives matter. The human race lives matter. It’s a very sad day when someone like her can speak and so many hear her, martyr I think not I know a murderer. When is everyone going to wake up and realize we are humans..Sad…
James D. Dunn
God Forbid!
James D. Dunn
God Forbid!
James D. Dunn
God Forbid!
James D. Dunn
God Forbid!
Scott Brimer
I’ve said it before and it still holds true. People like this woman do not really have any “connection” with people like the Dallas shooter, but instead the connection is what is on social media and the news. It has nothing to do with the “real” incident. She probably has no direct connection with anyone involved in the Dallas incident. Not connected to any of the officers, protesters or the shooter. Then why did she say what she said? Simple. The need for attention. To bring herself back into the spotlight. If you or I say these type things, we are just some idiot. Now, a formal Miss Alabama, from 1993 mind you, says things and shes back in the spotlight. It is a desire or a need to have the spotlight on them. It’s an attention thing. When was the last time Miss Alabama 1993 was in the spot light? My guess…….1993. Now 23 years later, shes back………………..stupid comments or not.
Scott Brimer
I’ve said it before and it still holds true. People like this woman do not really have any “connection” with people like the Dallas shooter, but instead the connection is what is on social media and the news. It has nothing to do with the “real” incident. She probably has no direct connection with anyone involved in the Dallas incident. Not connected to any of the officers, protesters or the shooter. Then why did she say what she said? Simple. The need for attention. To bring herself back into the spotlight. If you or I say these type things, we are just some idiot. Now, a formal Miss Alabama, from 1993 mind you, says things and shes back in the spotlight. It is a desire or a need to have the spotlight on them. It’s an attention thing. When was the last time Miss Alabama 1993 was in the spot light? My guess…….1993. Now 23 years later, shes back………………..stupid comments or not.
Scott Brimer
I’ve said it before and it still holds true. People like this woman do not really have any “connection” with people like the Dallas shooter, but instead the connection is what is on social media and the news. It has nothing to do with the “real” incident. She probably has no direct connection with anyone involved in the Dallas incident. Not connected to any of the officers, protesters or the shooter. Then why did she say what she said? Simple. The need for attention. To bring herself back into the spotlight. If you or I say these type things, we are just some idiot. Now, a formal Miss Alabama, from 1993 mind you, says things and shes back in the spotlight. It is a desire or a need to have the spotlight on them. It’s an attention thing. When was the last time Miss Alabama 1993 was in the spot light? My guess…….1993. Now 23 years later, shes back………………..stupid comments or not.
Miranda Grace Battles
I say pull her title; others have lost theirs for far less. A disgrace to the title and complete state.
Teri Whittington Bourgeois
Well many have jokingly referred to pageant participants as airheads….. Guess she would prove their statement.
Scott Buttram
She’s a television host in Miami.
Scott Buttram
She’s a television host in Miami.
Scott Buttram
She’s a television host in Miami.
Kayla Shepard
Wow what is wrong with people??????. Killing anyone in cold blood is not a martyr.. It’s wrong! It’s heartless
Becky Anderson Alexander
This sickens me!
Ruby Posey Hamric
I am speechless!
Ruby Posey Hamric
I am speechless!
Ruby Posey Hamric
I am speechless!
Tjo Johnson
I need prayer.. All I can think of is I just don’t have enough middle fingers for this Dixie Chick.
Tjo Johnson
I need prayer.. All I can think of is I just don’t have enough middle fingers for this Dixie Chick.
Patrick Shepherd
You nailed it Scott Brimer
Patrick Shepherd
You nailed it Scott Brimer
Patrick Shepherd
You nailed it Scott Brimer
Scott Key
Wow those big words confuse her. Imagine what 7 letter words do to her mind
Mary Kay Shields Franks
Horrible!
Roy Busler
She may be pretty but she is empty between the ears
Mark Atwood
I can’t believe you the Trussville Tribune would give this bitch a platform. You just bitch slapped Trussville in the face. The city of Trussville just showed everyone around us that we support our officers. If anything you should have condemned this woman’s comments.
Peggy Dorriety Jones
I am ashamed to think she ever represented the State of Alabama. She is a disgrace!
Shane Cooley
Whos buying this shit!? She is part of the problem!
Jane McKinney
Why even give her an audience to spread her hateful opinion!
Rhonda Sajjadieh
I agree why give this idiot a platform!!! Shame on you Trussville Tribune! Your an embarrassment right along with her!
Sheryl Cooper
No way
Scott Heatherly
Terminate her! Murder is not funny!
Bonnie Bordges
Trash…she’s nothing but trash!
Russell Wilson
Again I say, the fact that your voice can be heard from one end of the country to the other doesn’t make you any smarter than you were when your voice could be heard from one end of the bar to the other.
Jo Seales Ingram
You little girl are so wrong… stop this hate… you have been lied to
Jane Delbridge Burch
Perhaps her Miami viewing audience doesn’t share her sentiments and could let her employer know that they may just quit watching someone who feels this way.
Kanah Howard
A martyr is someone who died for a good cause. And to think she feels sorry for this man is wrong
Amy Richardson Langner
This was mentioned on “The Kelly Files” this evening~ …….embarrassing~ sigh
Temmie Glass Gerelds
What a disgrace that she is from Alabama!!
Barry Johnson
Wow unbelievable
Ann Webb Bradford
Contrast the former Miss Alabama with this woman who was at the Dallas protest.
http://www.fox4news.com/news/172585673-story
Denise Nanee Gilbreath
Typical Black Lives Matter trash bag! She needs her “Crown/Tiara” stripped! Send her to live in Woodlawn.
Nina DeJohn
Wow!!
Beverly Hicks Burch
Take her title and crown
Shannon Dobbs
Shameful
Tammy Moon Currie
Typical Black Lives matter trash!
He was a murderer not a Martyr!
Connie Sides
After reading some of these posts, I’m wondering if I watched the same video. I didn’t see a young woman calling for more violence. I didn’t see a woman hoping that officers would be gunned down. And I see the media taking talking points and listing them in a way that breads hate, violence and division.
Have you ever had that one person that you know (or work with) that always manipulates the system, beats you out of everything, stabs everyone in the back yet always seems to come out on top? Have you ever wished they’d get what was coming to them? ….well congratulations, you just connected with this young woman.
What I saw was a woman who went into church (much like I do-puffed up and thinking I’m right) and came out realizing that two wrongs will never make a right, and that those feelings of vengeance are not of God and not of peace. She posted her confession on her FB page (her personal page, not as a platform for Miss Alabama) for her friends to see and help her with her pain and guilt.
I’ve had many conflicting emotions about the black lives matter movement. For me personally, it seemed to take us back to days of segregation and undo all that so many have fought and died to end. With that said, I am a white woman. And while I can say I am not racist, I can say that we all hold our on prejudices.
I’ve seen the prejudices more since we began our adoption process of our two black sons. When we are shopping (especially if it’s just me or my husband with them) we get looks from people that range from outright disgust to complete respect. When I would take my sons to the barber, people would initially treat me as tho I had leprosy. One of the workers even commented “wow, you came back”.
What’s lacking in our prejudices and our posts, is a relationship with that individual. Anyone that has taken the time to hear our story and get to know our family, knows that our story is one of redemption and grace. Anyone that knows us will also tell you that we love our community, are active in our community and school, and that we are proud to say we are from Trussville.
So in a time of unrest and flared emotions, may we remember that we are all hurting and we are all only given parts of information. May we see the pain behind our words and realize that we all say and think things that come from our brokenness. May we fight for justice on both sides realizing that there is good and bad in all walks of life.
Connie Sides
After reading some of these posts, I’m wondering if I watched the same video. I didn’t see a young woman calling for more violence. I didn’t see a woman hoping that officers would be gunned down. And I see the media taking talking points and listing them in a way that breads hate, violence and division.
Have you ever had that one person that you know (or work with) that always manipulates the system, beats you out of everything, stabs everyone in the back yet always seems to come out on top? Have you ever wished they’d get what was coming to them? ….well congratulations, you just connected with this young woman.
What I saw was a woman who went into church (much like I do-puffed up and thinking I’m right) and came out realizing that two wrongs will never make a right, and that those feelings of vengeance are not of God and not of peace. She posted her confession on her FB page (her personal page, not as a platform for Miss Alabama) for her friends to see and help her with her pain and guilt.
I’ve had many conflicting emotions about the black lives matter movement. For me personally, it seemed to take us back to days of segregation and undo all that so many have fought and died to end. With that said, I am a white woman. And while I can say I am not racist, I can say that we all hold our on prejudices.
I’ve seen the prejudices more since we began our adoption process of our two black sons. When we are shopping (especially if it’s just me or my husband with them) we get looks from people that range from outright disgust to complete respect. When I would take my sons to the barber, people would initially treat me as tho I had leprosy. One of the workers even commented “wow, you came back”.
What’s lacking in our prejudices and our posts, is a relationship with that individual. Anyone that has taken the time to hear our story and get to know our family, knows that our story is one of redemption and grace. Anyone that knows us will also tell you that we love our community, are active in our community and school, and that we are proud to say we are from Trussville.
So in a time of unrest and flared emotions, may we remember that we are all hurting and we are all only given parts of information. May we see the pain behind our words and realize that we all say and think things that come from our brokenness. May we fight for justice on both sides realizing that there is good and bad in all walks of life.
Rhonda Bozeman Brunson
Well said Connie.
Rhonda Bozeman Brunson
Well said Connie.
Kim Reid
How can any CHRISTIAN say that the nut job who shot 11 INNOCENT officers killing 5 of them is a marytr? Yes I do think sending a robot with a bomb to blow up said nut job went too far, but, that nut job was no hero or marytr.
Kim Reid
How can any CHRISTIAN say that the nut job who shot 11 INNOCENT officers killing 5 of them is a marytr? Yes I do think sending a robot with a bomb to blow up said nut job went too far, but, that nut job was no hero or marytr.
Bari Battles Graham
Idiot
Bama MC
I’ve never seen a bigger bunch of uneducated people in my life !if this don’t stop history will repeat itself you can bet on that !
Stephen Shackleton
How about administrative FIRED!
Rhett Witcher
Who in the world gives two shits what a beauty contestant thinks? More importantly why would anyone give her a platform to even spread her feelings?
Al Wortham
She makes me sick to my stomach…
Anne Woodruff Benton
Her perspective is an example of what is wrong with this country–no respect for human lives of all colors or authority; a lack of respect for Judeo-Christian morals.
Barry J Smith
I hate to agree but I fear you are right. I believe it’s been coming for a long time and fear that color is most important.
Judy Stubbs
She is a confused.
Glenda Kelly
Permanent dismissal should be minimum but I would vote to remove her title – Alabama doesn’t need a racist – regardless of her ethnicity – representing our state!
Carolyn Reid Crittenden
As an Life long resident of Alabama, I’m disgusted by you and that you once represented our state, you are a stupid jerk, evidently you did not win on your character .
Toni Wall
Sickening