Florida board ejects woman after she plays adhan at public meeting

Pinellas County residents gather weekly to voice concerns directly to elected officials. On Wednesday, that routine shifted when a woman in a black burka played a religious recording at the podium.

The incident occurred during the public comment segment of a Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The woman, covered from head to toe with only her left eye visible, walked to the microphone. She did not speak. Instead, she began an audio recording of the Islamic call to prayer.

The clip played for nearly a minute. Board Chairman Dave Eggers intervened, citing county rules that require speakers to address the board in person. "Ma'am, you're going to have to stop … stop the music, stop the tape," he said. When the audio continued, a deputy from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office approached the podium and escorted the woman out of the building.

Tension rose among audience members as the woman left. Several attendees shouted and argued with Eggers about the decision. He asked the room to maintain decorum, stating, "We're all people living together here." Eggers clarified the policy for those present, noting that while meetings may be recorded, speakers cannot play taped audio. "That was not a comment. That's why she was asked to step out," he explained.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office confirmed the woman left the premises without further incident. The office stated she will not face criminal charges. It was not immediately clear if her action was intended as a protest or a prank.