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At least 59 Ohio residents have complained to the state’s attorney general over posts made by an Ohio sheriff suggesting that people should keep track of homeowners who have signs supporting Democrat Kamala Harris for president.
Bruce Zuchowski, the sheriff for Portage County just southeast of Cleveland, posted the suggestion to his social media account on Sept. 13, when he talked about Harris’ campaign and border policies.
«When people ask me…What’s gonna happen if the Flip – Flopping, Laughing Hyena Wins?? I say…write down all the addresses of the people who had her signs in their yards,» Zuchowski wrote in the Facebook post. «Sooo…when the Illegal human ‘Locust’ (which she supports!) Need places to live…We’ll already have the addresses of their New families…who supported their arrival!»
Zuchowski’s remarks drew backlash from members of his community. Now, people have lodged complaints to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican.
‘We need to act like responsible adults’
The Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, obtained the written complaints sent to Yost’s office through a public records request.
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Some people said they were angry, accusing Zuchowski of voter intimidation and racism. Others, including people who live in Portage County, said the sheriff’s post made them afraid.
“I feel like this is what my family went through in Germany during WWII,” one person wrote. “We need to act like responsible adults … People should be able to put out any political sign they want.”
USA TODAY reached out to Zuchowski for a response to the comments.
‘A little misinterpreted’ sheriff says
In a follow-up post days after his controversial one, Zuchowski said that his words might have been taken the wrong way.
«As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Portage County, I have sworn to protect ALL citizens of my County,» Zuchowski wrote in the social media post. «Recently, I placed a post on my personal Facebook page that may have been a little misinterpreted??»
Zuchowski then wrote how he «as the elected sheriff» has a «First Amendment right, as do all citizens.»
«If the citizens of Portage County want to elect an individual who has supported open borders (which I’ve personally visited Twice!) and neglected to enforce the laws of our Country…then that is their prerogative,» the Facebook post continued. «With elections, there are consequences. That being said…I believe that those who vote for individuals with liberal policies have to accept responsibility for their actions! I am a Law Man…Not a Politician!»
Ohio Secretary of State says Sheriff Zuchowski did not violate laws
Many who filed complaints with the state wanted Zuchowski removed from office or at least investigated for possible violations of law.
The complaints were referred to Secretary of State Frank LaRose because they dealt with election-related issues. LaRose said that the sheriff’s post did not violate election laws.
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
