The racist, dangerous false narrative that the former president and his running mate, Ohio’s Senator JD Vance, have pedaled for political gain has led to sustained violent threats to the entire community of Springfield. We are horrified and disgusted by this developing crisis. Together, we strongly condemn the outright lies that have led to harassment of and threats of violence toward migrant families and the general public.
We call upon the Republican leaders of our state government, from Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted and Attorney General Yost to the Senate and House leadership to immediately condemn the violence and correct the record amid the dangerous, anti-Haitian rhetoric.
It is not enough to denounce the threats alone; the lies about the legally settled Haitians must be called out for exactly what they are: political propaganda intended to gin up fear and in turn, support, for the former president. Not only is it irresponsible and extremely dangerous, it’s a malicious tactic used to exploit a community of hardworking and innocent people for political leverage. It is reckless, it is negligent and it is beneath the dignity of the offices they seek to hold.
Kathy Wyenandt, Chair, Butler County Democratic Party
Kelly Sakalas, Chair, Warren County Democratic Party
Kim McCarthy, Chair, Greene County Democratic Party
Patty Lawrence, Chair, Clermont County Democratic Party
Contact: Kathy Wyenandt, kathy@butlercountydems.org