Threats Made Against 2 Ohio Lawmakers, DeWine Condemns Violence

COLUMBUS, OH — Police are investigating threats made against Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes and her father, state Senator Vernon Sykes. A caller threatened to harm the Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday evening, according to Akron police.

The caller has not yet been identified, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. However, the call was made to Sykes' personal phone and appears to be politically motivated.

Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement on Tuesday night condemning the threats.

"I was very disturbed to learn that threats of violence were made over the weekend against Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes and State Senator Vernon Sykes. It is wrong. It is reprehensible, and it is unconscionable to threaten someone with violence for doing the job they were elected to do," DeWine said.

Emilia and Vernon Sykes both come from the Akron area. Emilia was elected in 2014, gaining the seat her father held for years.

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, a Republican, and Ohio Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko also condemned the threats against the Sykes, saying it was unacceptable to threaten a public official. They called on all Ohioans to rally together and display civility.

"Simply put: hatred has no place in Ohio, and violence will not be tolerated," DeWine said.