The leader of a non-profit organization representing the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio has taken legal action against former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance. The Haitian Bridge Alliance filed criminal charges against Trump and Vance for causing chaos and threats in the community since Trump made false claims about legal immigrants during a presidential debate.
The charges include disrupting public services, making false alarms, telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing, and complicity. The organization’s attorney, Subodh Chandra, stated that the local prosecutor had not taken any action, leading them to exercise their private-citizen right to file charges.
The Haitian immigrants who have arrived in Springfield over the past several years have been granted Temporary Protected Status to be in the U.S. legally. However, the community has faced more than 30 bomb threats directed at government buildings and schools, resulting in closures and increased law enforcement presence. Some Haitian residents have expressed fear for their safety due to growing public hostility.
The communications director for the Trump-Vance campaign, Steven Cheung, defended Trump’s actions by highlighting issues with the immigration system overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris. However, Chandra emphasized that the actions of Trump and Vance have caused significant harm to the Springfield community, leading to threats against the mayor and his family.
Chandra argued that despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on ex-presidents’ immunity from prosecution, the charges against Trump and Vance are valid since Trump is now a private citizen and Vance did not refute the false claims made about the Haitian community.
The affidavit outlining the charges accuses Trump and Vance of disrupting public services, making false alarms, committing telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing, and complicity. Chandra emphasized that the legal system should treat Trump and Vance like any other individual responsible for similar actions.
While charges brought by private citizens are rare in Ohio, the Haitian Bridge Alliance is determined to seek justice for the Springfield community. A hearing is required before the affidavit can progress further, but as of now, none has been scheduled.
