In a slew of social media posts, a veteran Ohio sheriff’s lieutenant said he would not protect those who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris—or those who identified as Democrats.
Lt. John Rodgers, a 20-year veteran of the Clark County sheriff’s office, posted on Facebook that he would not render aid to those who identify as Democrats, according to reporting by WHIO-TV.
The county in question has been a hotbed of right-wing conspiracies in recent months, and was rocked by former President Donald Trump’s false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, the county seat, are eating people’s pet dogs and cats.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bomb threats have repeatedly closed local schools and the city canceled its cultural fest in September amid the conspiratorial campaign against Springfield’s migrant community.
All of this has led to a loss of confidence in local institutions, which took another hit after Rogers’ declaration that he would not perform his job duties if it were in aid of a constituent who identified as a Democrat.
“I am sorry. If you support the Democrat Party I will not help you,” he reportedly wrote on Facebook.
“The problem is that I know which of you supports the Democratic Party and I will not help you survive the end of days,” he added.
Rogers’ posts said that those who needed help would have to provide proof of who they voted for before being rendered aid.
The sheriff’s office immediately distanced themselves from the sentiment when confronted by WHIO, but wrote in a statement that Rodgers would be handed a written reprimand and remain on duty.
“It is understood that while these comments are highly inappropriate, they in no means reflect the Clark County Sheriff’s Office delivery of service to ALL our community and does not reflect the mission and values of the Sheriff’s Office,” the department said. “The community has a right to be upset over the actions of Lt. Rodgers and he, as well as the Sheriff’s Office in general, will have to work even harder to replenish the trust of members of our community.”
According to WHIO, who obtained an “investigative file” and communications within the office, Rodgers said he was prescribed sleep aids and that his ‘out of character’ actions were a “documented side effect.”
The department told the outlet that they apologize for his behavior and that Rodgers has received “received a written reprimand for a violation of the department’s social media policy and will remain on duty.”
