City Councilman Ted Stokes, Utah, threatens to defund cops in fiery rant when one shows up after son's car accident [View all]

He resigned.



‘Make sure these guys are defunded’: Utah city council member resigns following fiery rant at cops
“[Your] lack of training blows my mind…I’m telling you how you’re supposed to do your job because you obviously don’t know,” the now-former Smithfield council member said

https://www.police1.com/body-camera/make-sure-these-guys-are-defunded-utah-city-leader-resigns-following-fiery-rant-at-cops



SMITHFIELD, Utah — A Smithfield City Council member has resigned following intense public criticism after a confrontational encounter with police officers was captured on body camera footage, KUTV reported.

Now former council member Ted Stokes was scrutinized following a 20-minute exchange with officers on Aug. 3, 2025, after they arrived at his home to follow up on a car crash involving his son. While the crash caused only minor injuries, including a bloody nose, Stokes’ reaction to the police response drew widespread backlash.

In the video, released by the Smithfield Police Department to Police1, Stokes is heard berating the officers, criticizing their training and threatening to defund the police department.

“I promise you I will do everything in my power as a city council member to make sure these guys are defunded,” Stokes is heard saying in the video. “There will be five police officers in this town because this is unbelievable.”

On Sept. 20, Stokes issued a lengthy written apology, acknowledging that he allowed emotion to override professionalism and respect.-----