Ohio political blogger D.J. Byrnes, known as “The Rooster,” was arrested on Monday after allegedly sending a photo of Shrek’s penis to a state senator last month. Byrnes, who runs a progressive newsletter and is known for confrontational tactics, texted the image to Ohio state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R), according to a source speaking to Columbus’ NBC affiliate WCMH-TV.
Arrest and Charges
Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested Byrnes at the Ohio Statehouse, and he spent 23 hours in Franklin County Jail. He faces a misdemeanor charge of telecommunications harassment. The image, as described in an affidavit by a detective from the Kirtland Police Department, featured a “hyper realistic” depiction of the character Shrek with “‘an erect humanlike penis engaged in the act of masturbation’ to the victim.”
Victim Identified as Senator Cirino
While court documents identify the victim only as “J.C.,” Byrnes’ colleague Max Littman and his wife Rachel Wenning told Signal Ohio that Cirino is the recipient. Cirino has previously been mocked by Byrnes and referred to as “Little Mussolini.” After Cirino wrote to Kirtland Police Chief Jeremy Fisher about receiving the “pornographic” Shrek image and pushed for charges, the department launched an investigation. The probe found an article where Ohio Senate Majority Caucus communications director John Fortney described the blogger as a “security threat,” according to Signal Ohio.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
The department later requested an arrest warrant, which was signed by Judge Marisa L. Cornachio, who had been endorsed by Cirino. Byrnes stated on social media, “I believe that the facts presented in court will show that I’m innocent of the misdemeanor charge of telecommunications harassment.” When asked separately about the charge, “The Rooster” said, “Can’t talk specifics but I promise you will laugh when you see.”
Several Ohio politicians have criticized the arrest. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin (D) wrote on social media, “Didn’t realize having the Rooster thrown in jail for annoying me was an option this whole time??? Seems like censorship to me - unacceptable.” Former GOP state senator Niraj Antani stressed on X that “no one has been attacked” by Byrnes more than him, but added, “But this is wrong. Freedom of speech in Ohio. Rest in peace. 1803-2026.”
