Ohio Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski has deleted a controversial Facebook post suggesting that addresses of Kamala Harris supporters should be noted so immigrants could be sent to live with them. The post from the Portage County sheriff, a supporter of former President Trump, likened illegal immigrants to "human locusts"; it appeared on his personal Facebook account and his campaign's account. The post provoked a backlash from Democrats who perceived it as a threat, while his supporters defended it as an exercise of free speech.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio demanded Zuchowski remove the post, calling it an "impermissible threat" against residents displaying political yard signs. Zuchowski did not comment on why he removed it. Responding to the uproar, the Portage County Board of Elections voted to remove the sheriff's office from election security roles, citing concerns about voter intimidation. The board's decision means Ravenna police will handle election security during early voting, starting October 8, and in future elections if the incumbent sheriff is running.
The motion was prompted by community concerns, expressed during a packed NAACP meeting. Board member Randi Clites emphasized the need for a safe voting environment, while Republican Amanda Suffecool criticized the move as political, arguing that Zuchowski's remarks were not as threatening as perceived. In a later post, Zuchowski suggested his comments "may have been a little misinterpreted??" He noted voters can make their own choices, but "have to accept responsibility for their actions."
(This story was generated by
Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the
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