Minneapolis Councilman's 'Murdering Cats' Claim About Self-Driving Cars Sparks Online Mockery

Minneapolis City Councilman Jason Chavez faced widespread online ridicule after asserting that self-driving cars are "murdering" pets and advocating for human operators in autonomous vehicles. The city council narrowly passed an ordinance requiring a human operator and a special license for all autonomous vehicles, but Mayor Jacob Frey has announced his intent to veto the measure.

During a council meeting, Chavez stated, "I will say cats have been killed and cats have been killed by these autonomous vehicles." He added, "I have a cat. I don’t want my cat getting killed because of these autonomous vehicles." Chavez claimed to have witnessed a video showing "cats being murdered by these vehicles."

Mayor Frey, in a statement, expressed his intention to veto the ordinance, calling it nonsensical and affirming the city's commitment to embracing innovative transportation technologies. He emphasized that he would not support a "backdoor ban" on autonomous vehicles.

Supporters of autonomous vehicles argue that mandating a human operator would effectively ban services like Waymo and lead to increased fares. Conversely, opponents maintain that the technology poses safety risks and threatens jobs.

Chavez's remarks quickly drew criticism on social media. Columnist Dustin Grage posted on X, "The Minneapolis City Council wants to require a human in driverless vehicles because cats are being ‘murdered’ by them." He also quipped, "Hide your cats. The Waymos are coming."

Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman also weighed in on X, mocking the council's focus on this issue. "MINNEAPOLIS HAS FOUND ITS REAL CRISIS, AND IT’S ROBOT CARS ‘MURDERING’ CATS," he wrote, suggesting the city should prioritize more pressing concerns like crime and fraud.

Other social media users echoed these sentiments. Fox News Digital columnist David Marcus posted, "They’re driving over the cats, they’re driving over the dogs!" Three Rivers Park Commissioner Jennifer DeJournett questioned the council member's salary in light of other city issues. Journalist Zaid Jilani and Dealer Teamwork CEO Sean Stapleton stated that their experience with autonomous vehicles, including Teslas, indicated the technology is capable of avoiding animals.

Fox News Digital reached out to Councilman Chavez for comment.