Official statements from Rep. Clay Higgins, news outlets like CNN, BBC, or official government websites

Rep. Clay Higgins Faces Backlash, Censure Calls for Racist Tweet About Haitian Immigrants in Springfield, Ohio

Sep 25, 2024, 10:21 PM

Republican Congressman Clay Higgins from Louisiana is facing significant backlash after posting a tweet that contained racist remarks about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The tweet, which referred to Haitians as 'thugs' and 'slapstick gangsters,' was deleted after Higgins was confronted by colleagues, including Rep. Byron Donalds. Despite the deletion, Higgins defended his comments, stating they were true and expressing no remorse. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Higgins, citing his principled nature and belief in redemption. The controversy comes amid false claims by former President Trump about a 2000% population increase and increased crime in Springfield, which have been debunked by local officials, including the Republican mayor. Additionally, schools and hospitals in Springfield have received bomb threats due to the inflammatory rhetoric. Many elected officials, including Rep. Yvette Clarke, Rep. Steven Horsford, and Rep. Mike Quigley, have called for Higgins to be censured. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted ongoing issues of racism and xenophobia within political discourse.