COLUMBUS, Ohio – An interesting turn of events unfolded in Springfield, Ohio, as the leader of a nonprofit representing the Haitian community decided to take matters into their own hands. Invoking a private-citizen right, charges were filed against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, by the Haitian Bridge Alliance. This action was taken due to the chaos and threats experienced by the community since Trump first spread false claims about legal immigrants during a presidential debate.
The Haitian Bridge Alliance’s attorney, Subodh Chandra of the Chandra Law Firm, mentioned that this move came after inaction by the local prosecutor. Charges brought by private citizens are rare in Ohio, but not entirely unheard of. A hearing is required before the affidavit can proceed, and as of now, no hearing has been scheduled.
Trump and Vance face charges of disrupting public services, making false alarms, telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing, and complicity. The filing seeks for the court to acknowledge probable cause and issue arrest warrants against them.
Chandra emphasized, “Their persistence and relentlessness, even in the face of refutations by the governor and mayor, show intent. It’s a willful flouting of criminal law.”
Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump-Vance campaign, defended their actions by stating, “President Trump is rightfully highlighting the failed immigration system overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris, resulting in thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into communities like Springfield.”
The influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants to Springfield in recent years, under Temporary Protected Status, has caused significant disruptions. Bomb threats, closures of government buildings and schools, increased law enforcement presence, and growing public hostility have plagued the city.
Chandra pointed out, “If it were anyone else, they would have been arrested by now for wreaking havoc on Springfield and causing such chaos. They are not above the law.”
Furthermore, Chandra clarified that the US Supreme Court ruling granting ex-presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution does not apply in this case, as Trump is currently a private citizen, and Vance was not acting in his capacity as a senator when he spread rumors about the Haitian community in Springfield.
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