Ohio sheriff says Facebook post about Harris signs, migrants was 'a little misinterpreted'

An Ohio county sheriff has spoken out again after telling residents to write down the addresses of homeowners with signs supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in their front yards.

Portage County Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski shared a Facebook post on Tuesday saying a previous post from Sept. 13 about Harris and migrants might have been taken the wrong way.

"As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Portage County, I have sworn to protect ALL citizens of my County," Zuchowski wrote in the social media post. "Recently, I placed a post on my personal Facebook page that may have been a little misinterpreted??"

Zuchowski then wrote how he "as the elected sheriff" has a "First Amendment right, as do all citizens."

"If the citizens of Portage County want to elect an individual who has supported open borders (which I've personally visited Twice!) and neglected to enforce the laws of our Country…then that is their prerogative," the Facebook post continued. "With elections, there are consequences. That being said…I believe that those who vote for individuals with liberal policies have to accept responsibility for their actions! I am a Law Man…Not a Politician!"

The sheriff also thanked the "many people in Portage County" for the "overwhelming support" even though some of them are "afraid or are not allowed to agree with (him) publicly."

What did Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski originally say?

Zuchowski's original post from Sept. 13 includes his thoughts on Harris, migrants and what residents should do if they see a sign supporting the Democratic presidential nominee.

"When people ask me…What's gonna happen if the Flip - Flopping, Laughing Hyena Wins?? I say…write down all the addresses of the people who had her signs in their yards," Zuchowski wrote in the Facebook post. "Sooo…when the Illegal human "Locust" (which she supports!) Need places to live…We'll already have the addresses of their New families…who supported their arrival!"

Attached to Zuchowski's initial social media post are screenshots of Fox News coverage from Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio. Both Aurora and Springfield have garnered national attention after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, said that migrants were committing dangerous acts in the cities — including taking over apartment complexes and kidnapping and eating pets.

Portage County NAACP holding an emergency meeting to discuss 'voter intimidation'

Portage County's NAACP chapter is holding an emergency meeting on Thursday to "discuss allegations of voter intimidation by the Portage County Sheriff," according to an email obtained by USA TODAY.

The organization said Monday it had received various messages from residents, including concerns over voter retaliation.

Geraldine Hayes Nelson, the vice president of the NAACP chapter, confirmed that the meeting will be open to the public.

"We are inviting a panel of subject matter experts and will have small group discussions and time for the small groups to ask the panel members questions," the NAACP chapter's president Renee Romine said.

Jon Barber, Zuchowski's Democratic opponent, is listed as one of the attendees planning to attend the emergency event.

Barber called Zuchowski's Facebook post "very appalling" and said his comments regarding Harris and migrants had "very racist undertones." He also said, that as sheriff, Zuchowski took an oath to protect all Portage County citizens despite their political views.

Contributing: Diane Smith/ Akron Beacon Journal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio sheriff Bruce Zuchowski responds to concerns over his Harris post