Dear Editor,
Following the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk in Utah social media exploded with false speculation, sometimes accompanied with explicit or implied threats, that the shooter had to be politically aligned with Democrats. These untrue posts made many in our community fearful for their safety.
That is why it is so reprehensible to see a county official post a screed on Facebook charging Democrats with responsibility for Mr. Kirk’s murder. In fact, details following Tyler Robinson’s arrest suggest he was influenced mainly by personal grudges and had no affiliation with any political party.
We have seen in other countries how these kinds of false and malicious accusations when spread over social media accomplish one thing: further violence.
That the county official in this case is Steven Harper, chair of the Towns County Board of Elections and Registration, makes the post even more troubling. He is under oath to administer his office “at all times” with impartiality and judgement, neither of which are evidenced in his post.
It is unacceptable for the election board’s chair to make this kind of rash, unfounded, and inflammatory accusation that may serve to incite violence and be used to intimidate voters from going to the polls. More to the point, a person who publishes false accusations and veiled threats against the community has no business being in public office serving that community.
Mr. Harper must resign.
Towns County Democrats
