Kane County Reporter

Heather Brown, a candidate for Illinois State Senate District 25, has reported being censored on Facebook for sharing a 9/11 commemoration post. Brown expressed frustration at the removal, emphasizing her intention to promote unity and remembrance on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks. 

“I have this on a poster board in my home that I took a photo of and added the words to. It’s no longer anywhere on any page on FB,” Brown told the Kane County Reporter.

Brown's post, which was subsequently removed by Facebook, consisted of images depicting the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.  Accompanied by the text "Always remember, never forget," it served as a commemorative tribute. 

Facebook responded to Brown's post with a takedown notice and implemented restrictions on her account for at least 90 days. The company cited the distribution of false information as their reason for these actions. According to their independent fact-checkers' assessment, they flagged Brown’s content as "false." This action raises questions about how social media platforms deal with political posts or those related to significant events. 

The incident involving Brown emerges amidst broader discussions concerning governmental censorship. Independent journalists contend that officials from both FBI and DHS misinformed Congress regarding their role in suppressing information.

Recent evidence made public suggests government agencies such as the FBI and White House may have pressured social media platforms into censoring certain content. This content particularly pertains to issues such as Hunter Biden's laptop controversy and side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Information acquired during Missouri v. Biden case divulged instances where governmental pressure was exerted over social media companies – an act resulting in coerced censorship of protected speech as recognized by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz raised further concerns when questioning DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray. Their evasion of direct responses has led to increased scrutiny regarding transparency, accountability, and commitment to upholding the First Amendment.

The State Senate District 25 is currently represented by State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). It includes all or parts of Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne and Bartlett.