The countys 25 commissioners were given time to comment before the resolution came to a vote, Thompson recalled. It was then that County Commissioner Warren Hurst leaned toward the microphone and began a diatribe so hateful it caused Thompson to storm out of the meeting.

Look what we got running for president in the Democratic Party. We can go over here to [the county jail] and get better people out of there than those running for Democratic, to be president of the United States, Hurst said, according to CBS affiliate WVLT, which captured some of his comments on video. We got a queer running for president, if that aint about as ugly as you can get.

His comment an apparent reference to Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg, who is openly gay drew laughter and applause from many in the room, Thompson said. Hurst then decried the plight of white men in the United States.

Im not prejudiced, but by golly, a white male in this country has very few rights, and theyre getting took more every day, Hurst said. Youll hear em stand on the stage and say, Oh, Im for the poor and the black. You never heard one of them say I believe white people have rights, too.

A mayor reportedly said her city isnt ready for a black leader. A council member went further.

Thompsons exit was captured on video, too. The woman recalled standing up during Hursts remarks to comment on his lack of professionalism. But no one was supporting her sentiment, she said, so she left.

I found it totally unprofessional, demeaning, bullying; I could not stay there any longer, she said. Think about how many people were in that room. Im the only one who stood up and objected to it.

Many Democrats in Sevier County keep their political affiliation private out of fear, Thompson said. But as Hursts rant has drawn national attention, leaders in Sevier and its surrounding jurisdictions have insisted that the commissioners views do not align with those of other officials in local government.

Hursts statements do not reflect the opinion or position of Sevier county administration, according to the Sevier County Twitter account. The city of Sevierville, the countys seat, was more explicit in its condemnation, writing that its administration rejects bigotry and prejudice toward any and all persons.

I have lived in Sevier County my whole life and know it as a place that is welcoming to everyone, as evidenced by the more than 12 million people who visit annually, Waters said in a statement. Generations of families have enjoyed our beautiful county and know that our citizens are caring and compassionate.

Anderson stressed that Hursts comments were not related to anything on the meeting agenda. Hurst, who was elected as chairman of the commission in 1982, could not be reached for comment Tuesday but told WVLT he stands by his words. He also said some of his best friends were African American.

State Rep. Gloria Johnson (D), whose Knox County district is 30 miles west of Sevier County, said Hurst should resign from the commission. Johnson underscored the importance of tourism in Sevier, which lies near the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The county also contains the mountain towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, both known for their tourist attractions.

Johnson lamented the dozens of social media posts shes seen from tourists to the area, some of whom have vowed not to return as long as Hurst remains on the commission.

Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster in a statement to WVLT said her city in no way condone[s] Sevier County Commissioner Hursts disturbing comments and welcomes everyone with open arms. We do not discriminate.

Its so frustrating because they rely a lot on tourists. Its such a welcoming, wonderful place, Johnson said in an interview. But then youve got those elected officials there that are making statements like that, and the reality is, they represent everyone in the county including the LGBTQ community. To lash out at their constituents like that is ridiculous.

Johnson called Hurst wrong and ignorant and said she was perturbed to see others laughing and clapping when he spoke.

That should not be who we are; its frightening, she added. Someone said Amen as if he was preaching a sermon. Its all unacceptable, and weve got to do better.

Chris Sanders, executive director of the Tennessee Equality Project, which advocates for LGBTQ rights in the state, echoed Johnsons call for Hurst to resign. The other option, he said, would be for the commission to introduce inclusive ordinances for Sevier County to bolster protections against discrimination on the basis of race, gender identity and sexual orientation.

There may be ways for him to make up for what he said, but they have to be concrete. Were beyond an apology at this point, Sanders said. We need to see some real change backed up by public policy in that county.

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