New Berlin mayor addresses anti-Muslim social media posts
Mayor Dave Ament
NEW BERLIN, Wis. - New Berlin Mayor Dave Ament is responding to criticism of some personal social media posts.
Mayor Dave Ament statement
What they're saying:
On Friday, Aug. 21, Ament released this statement to FOX6 News:
"I have been made aware of comments that have been expressed regarding posts on my private Facebook page. Let me begin by saying that what is on my personal Facebook page does not represent the official position of the City of New Berlin.
"It has never been my intention to disparage or offend any individual or group including the Muslim Community. My intention was simply to share information on matters of public concern. I regret that it has been construed otherwise. I further want to make it clear that I support the ability of all faith traditions to practice their faith.
"I am going to take some time to reflect, and step back from social media at this time."
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Wisconsin Muslim Journal release
What they're saying:
The comments come after the Wisconsin Muslim Journal issued a press release about Ament’s posts.
"A few days ago, several members of our New Berlin community alerted us to multiple instances of discriminatory conduct involving Mayor Dave Ament," wrote Cherrie Hanson, Managing Editor of the Wisconsin Muslim Journal. "Ament has reportedly shared or reposted anti-Muslim, anti-Black and sexist Ai content on his social media platforms. Muslim constituents represented by Ament in New Berlin fear that this type of hate could escalate into violence against them. They have chosen to remain anonymous out of concern for their safety and fear of retaliation."
FOX6 reviewed a number of posts on Ament’s page. In one, he re-posted a comment that read: "America needs to shut down all Mosques and ban Islam. Bet you won’t repost this."
Another repost on Ament’s page reads, "Far-right is the label they give anyone who refuses to watch their country become an Islamic state. Change my mind." A repost from August 13, 2026, reads, in part, "If you have more wives than teeth, you may be a Muslim" and "If you were amazed to discover that cell phones have other uses, other than setting off roadside bombs, you may be a Muslim."
As of noon Friday, Ament was still active on his Facebook page, reposting forecasts from the National Weather Service and reposting links to the City of New Berlin’s newsletter.
Some of the social posts referenced in this article and by the Wisconsin Muslim Journal have been deleted.
City of New Berlin response
What they're saying:
The City of New Berlin also responded to FOX6, saying [Ament's] statement is not an official position of the City of New Berlin.
It also said, "Official City social media accounts communicate City business and information on behalf of the City. The City's Social Media Policy addresses official City social media accounts and the use of personal or unauthorized social media accounts."
You can view the city's social media policy on its website.
One item of note in the social media policy states:
"City of New Berlin employees shall represent themselves in a professional manner at all times as stated in the City of New Berlin Ethics Code. This expectation includes, but is not limited to, the personal use of social media sites and tools. Employees are expected to present themselves as an extension of the City of New Berlin at all times during their employment."
Islamic Society of Milwaukee response
What they're saying:
The President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee-Brookfield sent the following statement:
"The anti-Muslim remarks and content shared by New Berlin Mayor Dave Ament are deeply troubling and beneath the responsibility of an elected leader. While we acknowledge his statement that he did not intend to disparage Muslims, intent does not erase the impact of words that portray an entire faith community as a threat or suggest that their places of worship should be shut down."
"More broadly, the normalization of suspicion and hatred toward Muslims by elected officials, at both the local and national level, is deeply disturbing and inconsistent with the values of a pluralistic democracy. When political rhetoric plays to fear, prejudice, or extremist sentiment, it has real consequences for our communities. Such hatred should be unequivocally denounced by Americans of every faith and political background."
"Muslim Americans are not outsiders. We are neighbors, doctors, teachers, business owners, public servants, and community leaders who contribute every day to Wisconsin and to this country."
"Words from our leaders matter. Those entrusted with public office have a responsibility to represent all of their constituents and to bring communities together, not make any community feel targeted, unwelcome, or unsafe."
"We hope this becomes an opportunity for accountability, reflection, and meaningful engagement with the Muslim community and others affected by these remarks."
Imran Riaz
President, Islamic Society of Milwaukee-Brookfield
The Source: FOX6 referenced the social media posts, the statement from Mayor Dave Ament to FOX6, the statement and information from the City of New Berlin (Steven Linn, Public Communications Manager), and the press release from the Wisconsin Muslim Journal.