The father of an 11-year-old boy who was killed by a Haitian immigrant in Springfield, Ohio, said during a city commission meeting on Tuesday that he wishes his son was instead killed by an “old white man.”

Aiden Clark was killed in August 2023, when a Haitian immigrant, Hermanio Joseph, 36, crossed over the center dividing line and crashed into a full school bus. The 11-year-old was ejected from the bus, which flipped over and then landed on him. More than 20 children were taken to the hospital. Joseph is now facing nine years behind bars after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He was not licensed to drive in Ohio.

“Ya know, I wish that my son Aiden Clark was killed by a 60-year-old white man,” the boy’s father, Nathan Clark, said. “I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.”

While everyone’s arguing over cats, remember Aiden Clark was killed by Haitian migrant in Springfield. pic.twitter.com/CDgj4tIeb8

— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) September 9, 2024

“They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate, that we should follow their hate,” Clark, who is a teacher, said. “And look what you’ve done to us.”

“Speaking of morally bankrupt politicians Bernie Moreno, Chip Roy, JD Vance, and Donald Trump: they have spoken my son’s name and used his death for political gain,” the father continued.

“They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members,” he said. “But they are … not allowed to mention Aiden Clark.”

“My son Aiden Clark was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti,” the father added. “In order to live like Aiden, you need to accept everyone.”

Springfield has garnered nationwide attention in recent weeks following viral complaints from residents about the massive influx of Haitian migrants to the relatively small community. Republican politicians have amplified residents’ concerns and criticized the current administration for the unprecedented border crisis.

WATCH:

The parents of Aiden Clark say they wish he had been killed by an older white man, instead of a Haitian, because they say his death has been used to spread hate towards migrants. Aiden’s father asks for Republicans to stop using his death for political reasons. pic.twitter.com/jzlzm5EI9q

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 10, 2024

Related: What You Need To Know About The Ohio Town Overrun By Haitian Immigrants