ST. PETERSBURG - A City County meeting was interrupted Thursday by people posing as residents who then shouted racist remarks and profanities at Council members.

The meeting was being held via Zoom, a video conferencing service.

In a post on Twitter, Mayor Rick Kriseman described what happened.

"Today's virtual city council meeting was crashed by racists who attempted to use their allotted time to spew hateful and repulsive words and call for individuals, including African Americans and the mayor, to be killed," Kriseman said.

"Those who broke the law will be held accountable. Those attempting to agitate and be hurtful should feel shame and know that they are not welcome in the City of St. Petersburg. This is a time for peace and healing and moving toward a better and fairer society for African Americans. Anything less is unacceptable here."

According to news gathering partner the Tampa Bay Times, one person made up an address in St. Petersburg, was allowed to speak and then used several profanities.

The outbreak at Thursday’s meeting caused City Clerk Chan Srinivasa to remind people that obscenities are not permitted during public comment. He tried to ask people about which particular consent agenda item they wished to speak. But his efforts did little to quell the barrage.