Ohio Sheriff's Lieutenant Apologizes After Remark About Democrats

Lieutenant John Rodgers posted a shocking message on Facebook

Lieutenant John Rodgers, a 26-year veteran of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in Ohio, has apologized after posting a message on Facebook in which he vowed not to protect Democrats.

The post, which has since been deleted, was in response to a thread about a shooting at a Republican baseball practice in Virginia.

Rodgers wrote, "If you are a Democrat and need protection from a Trump supporter or just someone who has voted for him, do not call me or my deputies. We will not respond."

Rodgers has since apologized

Rodgers has since apologized for the post, saying that he "made a mistake" and that he "deeply regrets" his words.

In a statement, Rodgers said that he "was wrong to make a blanket statement about Democrats" and that he "respects the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs."

Rodgers added that he "will continue to serve and protect all citizens of Hamilton County, regardless of their political affiliation."

The incident has sparked outrage

The incident has sparked outrage from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil has condemned Rodgers' comments, saying that they "do not reflect the values of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Neil has also ordered Rodgers to undergo training on diversity and inclusion.

Democrats have called for Rodgers to be fired

Democrats have called for Rodgers to be fired.

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Burke has said that Rodgers' comments are "unacceptable" and that he is "not fit to be a police officer."

Burke has called on Sheriff Neil to fire Rodgers immediately.

Republicans have defended Rodgers

Republicans have defended Rodgers, saying that he was simply expressing his personal views.

Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou has said that Rodgers' comments are "protected by the First Amendment" and that he should not be fired.

Triantafilou has also said that Democrats are "trying to silence conservative voices."

The incident is likely to fuel political tensions

The incident is likely to fuel political tensions in Hamilton County.

The county is already deeply divided along political lines, and Rodgers' comments are likely to further divide the community.

It is unclear what the long-term consequences of the incident will be, but it is clear that it has already had a significant impact on the community.