A self-proclaimed grassroots organization, the Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), has called for criminal charges against former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance (R-OH).
The organization accuses the two of inciting bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio, by disseminating allegations that Haitian migrants were abducting and consuming local pets.
The HBA, in a complaint lodged in Clark County Municipal Court, argues that Trump and Vance's propagation of these claims had a "direct impact" in triggering the 33 bomb threats that unsettled 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 declared.
The complaint, filed by HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef, is supported by an affidavit accusing Trump and Vance of seven distinct offenses. These include disrupting public services, making false alarms, aggravated menacing, complicity, and telecommunications harassment.
According to RedState, Jozef stated, "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." She further detailed that the bomb threats, which targeted hospitals, schools, universities, and government offices, were racially charged and resulted in evacuations. The threats also extended to Springfield government officials and their families. Jozef asserts that the lies propagated by Trump and Vance have harmed the Springfield community and violated criminal law.
The complaint also highlighted that no investigation was required or requested. It criticized the prosecuting attorney for failing to act to protect the community and hold Trump and Vance accountable for the harm they allegedly instigated.
An intriguing detail about the HBA is its funding source. The organization received $50,000 in 2020 and $500,000 in 2021 from George Soros' Open Society Foundation. The foundation stated that the funding was intended to provide legal services to Haitian asylum seekers at the southwest border and support advocacy to protect their rights. It also aimed to empower Black-led organizations to advocate for the humane treatment of all Black immigrants seeking safety and stability in the United States.
However, the likelihood of this demand gaining traction is slim. Private organizations do not have the authority to file criminal charges this responsibility lies with the prosecutor's office. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that either Trump or Vance directly instructed anyone to issue bomb threats. This case would likely fall short of the standard required for conviction of inciting violence, threats, or other illegal activities. The state cannot prosecute individuals simply because others used their comments to issue threats or engage in other forms of illegal behavior.
If the HBA were genuinely concerned about community safety, rather than engaging in political theatrics, they would urge authorities to identify and apprehend those who made the threats, as they are the actual perpetrators of the crime. However, their choice to engage in political posturing is hardly surprising.
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