Cheyenne City Council Disables Facebook Livestream Comments

Cheyenne City Council members have disabled commenting on Facebook livestreams of their meetings following repeated threatening and non-constructive comments from viewers, Mayor Patrick Collins confirmed.

The decision was implemented beginning with the council’s Monday meeting, after officials observed a pattern of comments that Collins described as threatening and inappropriate for public discourse.

Collins specifically cited instances where commenters suggested council members should wear bulletproof vests, followed by remarks such as “just make sure you aim high,” which he characterized as veiled threats against elected officials.

The mayor emphasized that while the council remains committed to transparency through livestreaming meetings on Facebook and YouTube, the comment sections had become unhealthy and counterproductive to civic engagement.

All City Council, committee, and work session meetings continue to be livestreamed on the city’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts to ensure public access for those unable to attend in person.

Collins stated that disabling the comment function was necessary to maintain a respectful environment, noting that the livestreams themselves remain active and will not be shut down.

The change reflects ongoing efforts by municipal officials to balance open government with the need to prevent harassment and intimidation in digital public forums.