Representative Swearingen Initiates Removal Proceedings Against Judge Berry Following Inflammatory Statements about Charlie Kirk
COLUMBUS – State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) today announced that he is preparing to initiate the Ohio House of Representative’s removal proceedings against Judge Ted Berry, who refused to resign after making egregious and inflammatory public statements in support of the political assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“Judge Berry has had every opportunity to step down in recognition of his misconduct and his blatant violations of judicial ethics,” said Swearingen. “His refusal to resign leaves the legislature no choice but to pursue the most serious option available to ensure public confidence in the fairness of Ohio’s courts.”
Last month, Judge Berry publicly celebrated the death of Charlie Kirk on social media, directly violating the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, including:
- Canon 1, Rule 1.2: Requires judges to uphold public confidence in the judiciary and avoid impropriety;
- Canon 2, Rule 2.3: Prohibits bias or prejudice on the basis of race;
- Canon 2, Rule 2.4: Forbids judges from allowing political or personal interests to influence their judicial duties; and
- Canon 2, Rule 2.11: Addresses disqualification due to public statements reflecting bias or prejudice.
“The integrity of our courts is non-negotiable,” said Swearingen. “Cheering for Mr. Kirk’s assassination is incompatible with the power vested in and the principles expounded by judicial office. Since Judge Berry has not done the right thing and stepped down, the Legislature must now remove him.”
Swearingen today filed a House resolution alongside State Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) to initiate the constitutional process for the removal of Judge Berry from office.