Sheriff: Attending Trump Rally Was 'Selfish'

CINCINNATI — Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil publicly apologized and distanced himself from Donald Trump Monday, a day after the Democratic sheriff attended a West Chester rally for the Republican presidential candidate.

During a Monday news conference outside the Hamilton County Justice Center, Neil apologized to Hamilton County residents and the local Democratic party, saying "it was selfish," and might have damaged local Democratic party election efforts by alienating supporters.

Neil repeatedly said Monday he attended the Trump rally to show appreciation for Trump's support of law enforcement. "I’m a public servant … public safety is my priority.”

From Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Burke to a Cincinnati city councilman, local Democrats widely criticized Neil's appearance at the Sunday rally. Neil said Monday he understood the criticism.

From the very first picture of Neil front in center at Sunday's rally in West Chester, there was an outcry from party members, said Burke.

"I thought it sent entirely the wrong message," Burke said. "This was a terrible mistake. It hurt a lot of people who have been fans of Jim's. A great many people are confused by his decision."

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