[Editors Note: This story initially ran without an Opinion tag. The Wessex Wire regrets the error.]
In the run up to the presidential election, Former President Donald Trump’s exploitation of the tragic death of 11-year-old Aiden Clark has come under fire. Clark was killed when Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, hit the school bus that Clark was in. Joseph, did not have a valid driver’s license and was sentenced to a prison term of nine to 13.5 years, according to reporting done by the Springfield News-Sun on May 21.
Former President Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance have been using the tragic accident to attack Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies on immigration. The tragedy of Clark’s death is being weaponized to make Americans feel more hostile towards undocumented Americans, according to a Sept. 11 Washington Post article.
Clark’s father, Nathan Clark, delivered a speech prior to the presidential debate, denouncing Trump for mischaracterizing the death of his son.
“To clear the air, my son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered,” Clark said. “He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy is felt all over this community, the state and even the nation. But don’t spin this towards hate.”
Trump and Vance have not offered an apology towards the Clark family for their words. The Republican nominees’ use of misinformation is unfortunately a pattern in this election, but many say that turning small town tragedies into a weapon crosses the line. Trump and Vance have spread more conspiracy theories about the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, claiming that they have been killing and eating pets in the area. This claim has been unsubstantiated by local officials, according to the Washington Post.
As we approach this very contentious election, it is essential to stay aware of misinformation and stay educated on the policies of our politicians.
Photo credits: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
