RI Health Dept. targeted in online video
By: Rebecca Turco
Email: rturco@abc6.com
PROVIDENCE –Rhode Island Department of Health staffers felt targeted by a recent YouTube video in the wake of a controversial vaccine mandate.
Lt. Col. Kevin Barry with State Police told ABC6 News someone posted the video to the Department of Health on social media, and staffers found it “concerning and somewhat threatening.”
The video was posted in light of the state’s new HPV vaccine mandate for seventh graders. HPV is an STD that is linked to cervical and other cancers.
“It’s a controversial issue, no doubt about it,” Barry said. “I agree fully with somebody being able to exercise their rights to go out and voice their opinion, as long as it doesn’t cross that line where somebody is threatened.”
Health staffers notified State Police last week, and police questioned the people responsible for the video. Barry would not specify how many people were involved or release the video in question.
No charges have been filed. “The totality of the evidence didn’t warrant criminal charges,” Barry explained.
Despite this, Barry said the department is still taking these perceived threats very seriously. “If it puts [the Department of Health] in fear, then that’s something that we’ll continue to be vigilant on.
Many parents have been voicing their opinions about the vaccine online and at public meetings by the health department. Health staffers cancelled last week’s meetings after watching the video in question.
© WLNE-TV 2015
