Ohio Sheriff Clarifies Facebook Post on Harris Signs and Migrants
The sheriff of Portage County, Ohio, has addressed residents after suggesting they take note of homeowners displaying signs in support of Vice President Kamala Harris in their yards.
On Tuesday, Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski explained in a Facebook post that his earlier comments from September 13 regarding Harris and migrants may have been misunderstood.
“As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Portage County, I am dedicated to protecting ALL citizens in my jurisdiction,” Zuchowski stated in his social media update. “I realize that my previous post may have been a bit misinterpreted.”
He emphasized that, as the elected sheriff, he enjoys “First Amendment rights, like any citizen.”
“If the residents of Portage County choose to elect someone who endorses open borders (which I’ve personally witnessed twice!) and has disregarded the enforcement of our law then that is their choice,” he added. “Elections have consequences. That said, I believe those who support candidates with liberal views need to take responsibility for their decisions! I am a Law Man not a Politician!”
The sheriff also expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming support” he has received from many in Portage County, even as some supporters feel “afraid or unable to publicly show their agreement” with him.
Background of Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski’s Comments
Zuchowski’s post from September 13 conveyed his perspectives on Harris, migrants, and what residents should do if they encounter signs backing the Democratic presidential candidate.
“When people ask me What will happen if the Flip-Flopping, Laughing Hyena wins?? I tell them write down the addresses of people who display her signs in their yards,” Zuchowski had written. “This way, when the illegal human ‘locusts’ (which she endorses!) need housing we’ll have the addresses of their new families those who supported their arrival!”
Zuchowski’s original post included links to news articles from Fox News covering incidents in Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio, both of which have come under scrutiny for reports of migrants engaging in criminal activities such as seizing apartment complexes and endangering pets.
Portage County NAACP to Hold Emergency Meeting on Voter Intimidation
The local NAACP chapter in Portage County is organizing an emergency meeting for Thursday to address “allegations of voter intimidation stemming from the actions of the Portage County Sheriff,” according to a message obtained by YSL News.
The organization mentioned it has received several complaints from residents expressing fears of potential retaliation at the polls.
Geraldine Hayes Nelson, vice president of the NAACP chapter, confirmed that the meeting will be open to everyone.
“We will invite a panel of experts and facilitate small group discussions, allowing those groups to pose questions to the panel,” stated Renee Romine, the president of the NAACP chapter.
Jon Barber, Zuchowski’s Democratic challenger, is set to attend the emergency meeting. He described Zuchowski’s Facebook remarks as “disturbing” and claimed that they carried “racist undertones.” Barber also noted that, as sheriff, Zuchowski has a duty to protect all citizens of Portage County regardless of their political affiliations.
Contributing: Diane Smith/ Akron Beacon Journal