Elected figures in Connecticut are speaking out against a flurry of death threats and internet harassment directed at Democratic State Representative Corey Paris.
The threats started after Paris was accused of obstructing immigration enforcement in a social media post published by the far-right X account Libs on TikTok. The message cautioned people about unverified rumors of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Stamford. A picture of Paris was also posted, and the message concluded with a complaint against him.
Paris, however, did not name any particular places. Paris advised readers to prioritize their safety above all else, be alert, and pay attention to their surroundings. He also advised folks to visit their worried neighbors.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were tagged in the post by TikTok libs. It was then shared on the official ICE X account.
In the face of what a Bysiewicz spokesperson described as “continuing harassment and threats from extremist groups and federal agencies,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and other Democratic lawmakers convened in Hartford on Wednesday to show support for State Rep. Paris.
Bysiewicz added, “We’re here today to urge ICE to cease threatening our elected officials and supporting extremist organizations.”
Among those state legislators traveling to Paris for the defense is State Representative Antonio Felipe (D-Bridgeport), the president of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC).
“As he took an oath to do, he just talked to his constituents about what they could look up, what they should watch out for in the street, what could happen to them, and making sure they were staying safe,” Felipe added. With his left hand on a Bible and his right in the air, he made sure he was watching out for everyone in his district, which is precisely what he was doing.
State Senator Gary Winfield, who is also a member of the BPRC, stated that although he has also received threats in his capacity, he is upset about the federal agency’s actions in spreading false information.
When they see it, some people will believe that the content they are reading is authentic since they have decided to sign their name. Winfield said this while standing with about thirty Democratic public officials who attended the gathering at Hartford’s Legislative Office Building.
And that increases the level of worry that Corey, myself, and everyone else present have,” Winfield continued.
Paris and his family have been harassed, with hundreds of comments calling for his arrest on the X post.
The Western District Major Crimes Squad of Connecticut State Police stated that it is currently looking into the event and was unable to provide any other information. The case is also being looked into by Capitol Police.
According to U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who is the Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, he will shortly formally announce a probe.
Blumenthal stated that such behavior definitely merits a congressional investigation. I will be announcing that the ICE reposted charge against him is just one instance of the many that have been reported of this agency going beyond its authority, using excessive and unjustified force, and having unmarked and unidentified agents wearing masks seize and detain individuals who may be in this country entirely legally and without violating any laws.
The threats against Representative Paris follow a surge in ICE action in Connecticut, which included last week’s detentions in a courthouse in Stamford, Danbury, and on the grounds of the Norwalk Police Department.
In a statement released by the Connecticut Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC), Paris stated, “I do not regret choosing compassion, vigilance, and safety for all who call our community home.” Our friends and neighbors who are immigrants have the burden of being singled out, silenced, and denied a voice, whereas I may bear the burden of criticism right now. They constantly worry that their families will be singled out, disturbed, or destroyed.
According to a number of lawmakers, Paris’ statement contained no improper or unlawful remarks. According to Connecticut’s Speaker of the House, Democrat Matt Ritter, the Paris message is standard.
Ritter remarked that Rep. Paris’s message of neighbors watching out for neighbors is potent and typical of an elected figure. Racist comments and threats are abhorrent, and anyone who engage in them will face consequences after an investigation.
The online intimidation was also denounced by Republican officials in Connecticut.
House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) stated, “I don’t know anyone in the legislature who signed up thinking they’d be immune from sharp scrutiny, and criticizing a public official’s policy positions is legitimate.” However, harassment or threats go too far and are not acceptable, as are degrading personal assaults.
Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) stated in a statement that there must be no room for these threats. It is never acceptable to use violence or threaten to use violence. We strongly condemn this, there is no place for it, and we are relieved that Rep. Paris and his family are unharmed.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz responded, “This was a publicly noticed event in our LOB and our Republican colleagues were welcome, and if any had come, I would have let them speak,” when asked if any colleagues on the other side of the aisle had received invitations to Wednesday’s event.
The story has been updated.
