Full Breakdown
Wyoming Councilman Faces Backlash Over “Hang Bad Judges” Comment on Abortion Ruling
5/2/2026, 5:31:49 AM
Triggering Event: Councilman Calls for “Hang Bad Judges”
Powell city councilman Troy Bray posted a comment on Facebook after a Natrona County judge temporarily blocked Wyoming’s six-week abortion ban. In the post Bray wrote, “In order for Wyoming to find justice, we will have to hang bad judges.” He later issued a longer Facebook statement asserting that the remark was “a statement of my beliefs, NOT a threat” and not intended as a call for action.
Legal Background: Six-Week Abortion Ban and Temporary Block
Wyoming’s six-week abortion restriction, described by opponents as a “heartbeat” law, was temporarily halted by a Natrona County judge, allowing abortions to resume while the statute faces ongoing legal challenges. State Representative Mike Yin, a Democrat, shared a Wyoming Public Radio & Media report of the ruling on Facebook, linking the judicial decision to broader concerns about healthcare access.
Key Figures: Troy Bray, Rep. Mike Yin, Natrona County Judge
The central individuals are Troy Bray, the Powell city councilman who made the controversial comment; Rep. Mike Yin, who highlighted the judicial order; and the unnamed Natrona County judge who issued the temporary injunction. Fox News Digital contacted Bray for additional comment but did not receive a response.
Official Statements & Responses
Bray’s follow-up post emphasized that his remarks were non-violent, stating, “I will exhaust every peaceful means I can find.” He characterized Wyoming’s judicial system as “broken,” argued that “lawyers file frivolous lawsuits intended to use the system as a punishment, financially draining their adversaries,” and claimed that justice is denied to those who cannot afford legal representation. Rep. Yin’s Facebook post urged adherence to the Constitution, wrote that “the legislature should obey the Constitution and the freedom to make your own healthcare choices,” and concluded that “the only way that changes is at the ballot box.”
Criticism & Opposition
Multiple Facebook users described Bray’s “hang bad judges” comment as dangerous and inappropriate for an elected official. Critics highlighted the violent implication of the phrase and questioned the suitability of such rhetoric in public discourse. The backlash formed part of a broader reaction to the heated debate over Wyoming’s abortion restrictions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In order for Wyoming to find justice, we will have to hang bad judges,” — Troy Bray, Powell city councilman
- “That is a statement of my beliefs, NOT a threat, as some have characterized it, nor is it a call for others to act,” — Troy Bray
- “I will exhaust every peaceful means I can find.” — Troy Bray
- “Lawyers file frivolous lawsuits intended to use the system as a punishment, financially draining their adversaries with a process that is formatted to require a specialist lawyer just to participate,” — Troy Bray
- “The only way that changes is at the ballot box.” — Mike Yin, State Representative
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No response from the Natrona County judge or other state officials regarding Bray’s remarks is documented. Fox News Digital’s request for comment to Bray remained unanswered.
What’s Next
Legal challenges to Wyoming’s six-week abortion ban continue, and the controversy surrounding Bray’s comment may influence public opinion and upcoming electoral contests.
