A Franklin County Commissioners’ meeting was abruptly interrupted Tuesday morning when an unknown participant played a racist, antisemitic, and pornographic video over the public Zoom feed. The shocking disruption came as commissioners were discussing a resolution in support of women in business.
The video, which included Ku Klux Klan imagery, racial slurs, antisemitic remarks, and explicit content, briefly took over the meeting room’s screens. County staff quickly shut down the Zoom feed as audience members reacted in shock.
Commission President Erica Crawley called the incident “cowardly” and condemned the message behind it.
“The intent is clear: to be disruptive, to make racist comments, and to create an environment where people don’t feel comfortable or safe here in Franklin County,” she said. “Franklin County is open to everyone.”
The attack follows a string of racist and antisemitic incidents across the Columbus area in recent days. A worker at a Far East Side Mexican restaurant found a receipt scrawled with “I hope Trump deports you” instead of a tip, and a local sushi restaurant received a threatening letter filled with hate speech. Additionally, antisemitic stickers were discovered near Ohio State University.
Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce pushed back against the disruptors, stating, “If you think your actions have any effect on what Franklin County is doing, I got news for you: you’re going to be sorely mistaken.”
The commissioners are working with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the prosecutor’s office to investigate and pursue charges against those responsible.
County spokesperson Robin Ross clarified that this was not a hacking incident but rather a “Zoombombing.” The county had not enabled security settings to prevent unmuted participants from taking control of the feed. In response, officials announced that future meetings would be in-person only, ending the option for virtual attendance via Zoom.
JewishColumbus, a local Jewish advocacy group, also condemned the incident.
“We appreciate the swift action of the board in disabling the video and making it clear that language and imagery that perpetuate hate and white supremacy have no place in our community,” the organization said in a statement.
As Franklin County leaders work to prevent future disruptions, Crawley made it clear that they will not be deterred by hate.
“We stand united against any hate and bigotry,” she said. “We won’t allow the voices of division to overshadow the essential work we are doing here.”
