‘Despicable’: Local sheriff’s social media post sparks debate

PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) – Some say it’s free speech. Others say it’s fearmongering.

But if there’s any common ground concerning a recent social media post created by Portage County Sheriff, it’s that the message has the community’s full attention.

This past weekend, Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski appeared to call out supporters of presidential candidate Kamala Harris via social media, saying , “When people ask me what will happen if the flip-flopping, laughing hyena wins, I say, write down all the addresses of people who had her signs in their yards. So, when the illegal human locusts need places to live, we’ll already have the addresses of their new families who supported their arrival.”

Whether it’s backing up the sheriff’s comment, or condemning it, there are a lot of people online seeing the post .

For example, as of midday Tuesday, over 3,000 people had already shared a reaction to the post.

Theresa Kotting says she can’t help but feel targeted by the message.

“I’m hoping it’s all bluster, but we all know that people like to take things into their own hands,” Kotting said.

The longtime Kent resident has had a Kamala Harris sign posted in her front yard for weeks.

But she’s adamant that taking it down is not an option.

“I don’t think taking my sign down is going to make things better. I just think it would be giving in, and that’s not going to happen.

For those wondering what happens next in this story, current Republican Portage County Commissioner Tony Badalamenti shared his thoughts:

“I know that this has been reported to the Attorney General’s office. There are many versions that people have, voter intimidation.”

“He has a First Amendment right. He can say whatever he wants, and that is true. But what you say, you also have to suffer the consequences.”

For now, the court of public opinion stays busy.

The sheriff continues his re-election campaign.

And come November, the people will decide how much, or how little, this post swayed their vote.

Sheriff Zuchowski’s office hasn’t responded to multiple requests for comment on this story.

The ACLU of Ohio posted a response to his comments on social media .

“Sheriffs are elected officials who have a duty to serve ALL members of their community. They are sworn to protect the public from intimidation and oppression. For the sitting sheriff of Portage County to be engaging in the very type of behavior he’s meant to combat is despicable.”

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