At our recent City Council meeting on August 7th, the City’s livestream was hacked during public comments by online participants posing as Temple citizens requesting to speak on local concerns. These outsiders used derogatory and hateful content, including the use of the N-word and the display of vulgar and objectionable images. Some of you may have seen this, and others may not, but the message was unmistakable — and deeply offensive. I want to acknowledge and speak directly to all who were hurt by this act, including myself.
To my understanding, a cyber hacking act event has not happened before, and as the first African American woman to serve on this City Council (not the first ever - there were several African American councilmen before me), I felt the weight of those words. The hackers’ language and displays were meant to divide, demean, and distract us. But let me be clear: This City, this Council, and this community are stronger than hate. We showed that when we came together after the 2024 tornado.
Hacking is an unwanted intrusion into a video and/or audio conference, typically on platforms like Zoom, by individuals who disrupt the meeting with inappropriate, offensive, or distracting behavior. It often occurs when meeting links are publicly shared. The intrusion during the 8/7 council meeting was caused by an external actor posing as a Temple citizen, using an opportunity through a shared link meant to allow community participation in a public meeting, exploiting a technical weakness in the program. These acts were intentional, and their impact was hurtful to many listeners and viewers.
I want the community to know that specific meeting was hacked and nothing more. No data, applications, or devices were exposed. Online access was ended as quickly as possible to stop any additional disruption. This was immediately reported to the software provider for further investigation. If they can identify these actors, they will be blocked from all meetings going forward.
We live in a world where, sadly, some individuals choose to spread division and hate instead of building unity and respect of one’s race and gender. While I was personally offended, I refuse to let this attack define us. Instead, I choose to use it as an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to transparency, inclusion, and dignity in public service. The past is the past, but if we don’t learn and grow from the circumstance, it means nothing. There should be no more silence, and I stand to make difference as a councilmember who represents you.
To every resident: Know that your Council remains focused on serving you. Acts of hate will never derail our purpose or our progress.
Together, we stand united.
Respectfully,
Zoe Grant, City Council Member