Haitian Group in Ohio Files Criminal Complaint Against Trump, Vance

A grassroots immigrant advocacy group filed a complaint seeking criminal charges in Springfield, Ohio, against former President Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance (R), over their role in elevating false allegations about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating local pets.

The complaint, filed by Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) in Clark County Municipal Court, alleges that Trump and Vance, by amplifying those claims, had a “direct impact” in spurring the 33 bomb threats that rocked the southwest Ohio city.

“Like those who falsely shout ‘fire!’ in a crowded theater, Trump and Vance do not color within the lines of the First Amendment. They commit criminal acts,” the group said.

HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef filed the document, backed by an affidavit alleging Trump and Vance committed seven separate offenses, including disrupting public services, making false alarms, aggravated menacing, complicity and telecommunications harassment.

{snip}

“HBA filed this criminal charge to hold Trump and Vance accountable for the devastating harm they caused our community in Springfield and has impacted Haitians around the United States,” said Jozef in a statement.

“Thirty-three bomb threats have been alleged across Springfield within the last two weeks. Hospitals, schools, universities, and government offices were all evacuated after receiving racially charged threats. Springfield government officials and their families received threats. Trump and Vance’s lies have harmed the Springfield community, and their lies have violated criminal law.”

Individuals and private organizations cannot file criminal charges. Generally, criminal proceedings are initiated by district attorneys filing complaints, grand jury indictments or law enforcement citations.

HBA’s complaint does not mean that Trump and Vance have been charged with crimes related to their rhetoric about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, but through it, the grassroots advocacy group is requesting the court to either file arrest warrants against the GOP nominees or refer the matter to a district attorney.

{snip}