The mayor of a growing Alabama town and well-known pastor has taken his own life in front of sheriffs deputies.
Smith Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland (R) killed himself two days after 1819 News, a conservative news website based in Alabama, published photos of Copeland in drag after he begged them not to expose his private life.
Publicly, Copeland had led his community through storms before, including an E-F4 tornado that killed 23. Recognized for his leadership efforts, Copeland secured a face-to-face meeting with then-President Donald Trump, who was touring the devastation left behind by the 170 mph winds.
Copeland always maintained that Smith Station had the potential to grow, given its proximity to Columbus, Georgia, while staying true to its small-town roots.
On Nov. 1, 2023, 1819 News reported it discovered social media posts by Copeland, under a pseudonym, posing in women's clothing to appear as a “transgender curvy girl.” A follow-up article by 1819 News reported that Copland wrote transgender erotic stories. Copland objected to the involuntary outing, telling the editor that the cross dressing was done in the privacy of his own home “to relive stress.”
Responding to a welfare check on Nov. 3, deputies sighted Copeland driving on the road. A slow-speed pursuit ensued, before Copeland pulled over, exited his vehicle and killed himself with his handgun.
Copeland is survived by his wife and three children.
Columbus' News Leader 9 has more on the reaction within the shaken community:
“Things that were obviously private came out publicly and quite frankly unexpectedly. I can't imagine, again, what that must be like for the mayor, his family and for anyone who's been affected by this,” said Kris Patton. “Probably the most heart-wrenching thing about it is the effect that it is going to be on the community.”
“What he did in his personal life… his business, you know,” said Jennifer Schmitt.
Alabama Baptist state leadership responded to allegations against Copeland after the controversial photos from the article surfaced to the public, saying:
“We have become aware of the alleged unbiblical behavior related to the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Phenix City,” the denominational leaders wrote. “We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well. We are in consultation with the Russell Baptist Association's leadership as they endeavor to assist the First Baptist family during this critical time of need.”
Craig Monger, the 1819 News reporter who broke the story, remained defiant in response to his initial coverage. He has not commented publicly since Copland's suicide.
Less than 24 hours before his suicide, Copland addressed the controversy during a church service. Copland told parishioners the articles did not represent “who or what I am.”
“This will not waver my devotion to my family, serving my city, serving my church.”
“I'd like to say at least for me and my family… we'll certainly mention him in our prayers this weekend,” said local resident Dan Robertson.
The First Baptist Church changed its Facebook profile and cover photo on Saturday in an apparent homage to Copland's memory.
Phenix City School Superintendent Larry DiChiara, a prominent local Republican and old friend of Copeland, lashed out at Monger in all but name on social media:
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