Michigan City mayor under fire after making racially charged remarks

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.--- Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry is facing calls to resign after he allegedly made racially charged remarks in voicemail to a local Black pastor on Friday. The remarks were made after Parry forgot to hang up his phone after finishing his original message.

In that message Parry allegedly be heard saying "They want a [redacted] audience, these black guys they all want a [redacted] audience,".

Parry went on to apologize to Pastor James Lane in a phone call on Monday. 

"The course of action, of course, is to have this rally," said Lane. "It was to be an apology for the letter he sent out concerning the chief of police but now we’re asking for his resignation due to the racist statement he made in that voice message."

A rally was held near City Hall on Monday to call for Parry to resign. Members of the Michigan City City Council are also taking action on a vote of no confidence at their next meeting on Tuesday.

"Just appalled, we are such a diverse city in this region and our council," said Angie Nelson Deuitch, Councilmember At-Large.

Parry, a Republican, is even facing backlash from the LaPorte County Republican Party.

"This does not reflect the values of the LaPorte County Republican Party or its candidates or its office holders or its members," said Allen Stevens, the party's Chari. "This is in no uncertain terms the La Porte County Republican Party condemns what Mayor Perry said."

Parry has not responded to multiple requests for a comment.