At least 59 Ohio residents have filed a complaint with the state attorney general over an Ohio sheriff’s post suggesting that homeowners with signs supporting Democrat Kamala Harris for president should be pursued. Ta.
Bruce Zukowski, the sheriff of Portage County, just southeast of Cleveland, posted the proposal on his social media accounts on September 13 while speaking about the Harris campaign and border policy.
“When people ask me… what happens if the laughing hyena wins on the flip?? I say… write down all the addresses of the people who put up her sign in their yard,” Zukowski said in a Facebook post. I wrote it in . “Sooo… when the illegal humans ‘Locust’ (who she supports!) need a place to live… we already know the address of their new family… those who helped them arrive !”
Zuchowski’s comments prompted backlash from members of his community. Now, people are filing complaints with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R).
“We need to act like responsible adults.”
The Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, obtained a complaint letter sent to Yost’s office through a public records request.
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Some were angry, accusing Zuchowski of voter intimidation and racism. Others, including those who live in Portage County, said the sheriff’s post terrified them.
One person wrote: “It feels like what my family went through in Germany during World War II.” “We need to act as responsible adults…People should be able to put up any political signage they want.”
USA TODAY has asked Zuchowski to respond to his comments.
Sheriff: “There’s a bit of a misunderstanding.”
In a follow-up post days after his controversial post, Zuchowski said his words may have been taken the wrong way.
“As Portage County’s chief law enforcement officer, I have taken an oath to protect all of my county’s citizens,” Zuschowski wrote in a social media post. “I recently posted something on my personal Facebook page and it might have been a little misunderstood??”
Zuchowski later wrote that he “as an elected sheriff” has “the same First Amendment rights as all citizens.”
“If the residents of Portage County want to elect someone who supports open borders (I personally visited twice!) and fails to enforce our laws… that is their prerogative.” Faith I continued posting books. “Elections have consequences. That being said…I believe that those who vote for individuals with liberal policies must accept responsibility for their actions! I’m a lawyer…Politics It’s not home!”
Ohio Secretary of State says Sheriff Zukowski did not violate any laws
Many of those who filed complaints with the state wanted Zukowski removed from office, or at least investigated for possible violations of the law.
The complaint dealt with election-related issues and was sent to Secretary of State Frank LaRose. LaRose said the sheriff’s post does not violate election law.
Contributor: Jonathan Limehouse
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.