House Dems issue statement following threats against Leader Sykes and Senator Sykes

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus), House Minority Whip Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Assistant Minority Whip Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today issued a statement condemning an incident that occurred on Saturday which involved a threat of violence against Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) and her father, Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron).

“House Democrats stand today, as we do every day, firmly behind our Leader Emilia Strong Sykes. Aptly named, Leader Sykes’ strength during this difficult time is admirable but not surprising to any of us who work closely with her on a regular basis. The Sykes family epitomize what it means to be a public servant and their contributions to our state deserve to be applauded, not threatened. We lift the entire Sykes family up in our thoughts and prayers today and ask other Ohioans to do the same.”

This statement from House Democratic leadership today follows Governor Mike DeWine, Senate President Larry Obhof and Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko’s echoes of condemnation and support to the family.  

Columbus Police, Akron Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol are all investigating the incident.

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