Late last week, the city of Opelika took down signs identifying itself as the hometown of Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, following her controversial statements about the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On Sept. 19, 2025, the City of Opelika posted a statement on Facebook, explaining that Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller requested for the signs to be taken down.
“We all have a right to express our opinions, but we also share a responsibility to do so in ways that build understanding rather than create unrest,” the post reads. “Opelika is a strong, welcoming community, and our goal is to keep it that way.”
The rest of the statement proceeds to focus on Opelika’s current work to update signs in the community, mentioning that it will “explore new ways to honor individuals.” At the end of the post, the city states that it “will not be making further comments, as our focus remains on bringing the community of Opelika together.”
The move to remove the signs follows comments Hagan made in a TikTok about slain right-wing political activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Sept. 11, the day after his assassination during a campus tour at Utah Valley University. In the video, Hagan said that while Kirk’s children did not deserve to lose him due to gun violence, he was a “vile human being” and “a bigot and a racist” who spread hate that led to violence.
“And the fact of the matter is that he died in a manner that he fought for and justified,” Hagan said in the post. “And you’re not going to tell me that I can’t talk about that.”
Prior to their removal, the signs, which were up for over a decade and were displayed under city limit signs, said, “Home of Mallory Hagan Miss America 2013”.
Raised in Opelika, Hagan graduated from Opelika High School and briefly attended Auburn University before moving to New York. In 2018, Hagan also ran as a Democrat for Alabama's 3rd congressional district, in which Opelika is located, but she was defeated by incumbent Mike Rogers. Now, Hagan serves as the national press secretary for The Seneca Project and consults for the Democratic Majority Action PAC.
After Hagan's comments, a local resident published a Change.org petition, addressed to the Opelika mayor and city council, to request the signs be taken down. The petition, which was first published over a week ago, has 941 signatures as of Sept. 25.
On Sept. 17, 2025, after the city of Opelika removed the signs, the petition starter named "Lori S" declared "victory" for the petition. Via an update of the same name, Lori S shared their thoughts.
“I am writing to let you all know that the city has removed the signs. We are thankful to the city and Mayor for their swift action in this matter,” Lori S said.
They also gave a quote from Kirk: “The truth is that while those on the left - particularly the far left - claim to be tolerant and welcoming of diversity, in reality many are quite intolerant of anyone not embracing their radical views.” Then, they signed off, “For Charlie, Lori S”.
As of Sept. 25, 2025, Hagan could not be reached for comment.
When The Plainsman asked the City of Opelika for a comment or an interview on the matter, Community Relations Officer Leigh G. Krehling responded that the city “will not be doing any further interviews” and directed back to Opelika’s Facebook post for the city’s response.
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