Ohio

In order to provide key partners with a snapshot of state and local dynamics ahead of the 2020 election, Princeton Bridging Divides initiative prepared a series of state-specific "In Brief" summaries. Analysis draws on multiple public data sources, including the US Crisis Monitor, Mapping Police Violence project, ADL HEAT Map, SPLC Hate Map, and a variety of local news sources in order to present a state and county-level description of recent trends and actors of concern.

Based on prior incidents around the specific location and increased activity by actors of concern in the area, BDI is noting increased attention around two drag events in Ohio this weekend. Thefirst event is a drag brunch at Element 41 in Chardon, Ohio, on April 1. The Community Church of Chesterland (CCC), an open and affirming congregation associated with the United Church of Christ, is the event's sponsor. CCC is also hosting a drag story hour event on April 1 at their facility in Chesterland, Ohio.

Far-right actors in Ohio, Blood Tribe Ohio, Project 171, and Proud Boys, announced plans to mobilize against all-ages drag shows in Bellefontaine on June 1-4, Hillsboro on June 3, and Wadsworth on August 5.

Multiple far-right and white nationalist groups, including the Proud Boys, WLM, Blood Tribe, and Patriot Front, have announced plans or are reportedly planning to commemorate the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on January 6, 2024.

The Cleveland Proud Boys announced plans on their Telegram channel to protest outside of the Colors+ LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Fairview Park, Ohio on March 9. The same video post calling for a March 9 “Colors 2: Anti Groomer Boogaloo” protest has been shared on the same Telegram channel almost daily since February 13. A preliminary monitoring/social media scan does not show any additional cross-posting by other actors of concern or anti-LGBTQ+ groups. However, as the event is still over a week away, other networks or groups may still coordinate mobilization in support of the Proud Boys’ call-to-action.

BDI produces regular state-focused situation reports (SitReps) on key risk trends and activity to help partners identify early warning signs of political or election violence in Ohio.

BDI produces regular state-focused situation reports (SitReps) on key risk trends and activity to help partners identify early warning signs of political or election violence in Ohio.

BDI produces regular state-focused situation reports (SitReps) on key risk trends and activity to help partners identify early warning signs of political or election violence in Ohio.

BDI produces regular state-focused situation reports (SitReps) on key risk trends and activity to help partners identify early warning signs of political or election violence in Ohio.