Hundreds of residents, civic leaders and elected officials gathered in Columbus City Council chambers to express solidarity with the city’s Somali American community and to condemn recent remarks by the president targeting immigrant groups.

Mayor Andrew Ginther told the crowd that Columbus is ‘‘one of the most welcoming and diverse cities in the United States,’’ and reiterated a prior executive order that ‘‘city of Columbus resources will not be used to support deportation efforts, unless there’s evidence of a crime having been committed.’’ He added that city services are available to all residents regardless of birthplace and said, ‘‘You are valued. You belong.’’

State Representative Ismail Mohammed described a wave of calls and emails from constituents who asked, ‘‘why is the leader of the free world calling me garbage?’’ He thanked volunteers and officials who responded to community concerns and said the response from elected leaders across jurisdictions had been ‘‘absolutely amazing.’’

State Representative Munir Abdulaiheed condemned the president’s language as ‘‘scapegoating’’ and called on residents to respond with solidarity and action rather than fear. He framed the remarks as a distraction from policy failures and introduced organizers working to sustain civic engagement.

Kyla Torani, identified in the program as executive director of Care Ohio, urged concrete follow-up, announcing a ‘‘day of action’’ planned for Saturday, Dec. 13 and a push to recognize June as Somali American Heritage Month. Torani told the audience the event was intended to elevate discussion beyond rhetoric and to mobilize volunteers and local institutions to support affected families.

Community leaders who spoke described fear among families and young people after the president’s comments. Khosar Musa said many Somali households in Columbus have close ties to relatives in Minnesota and other cities, and reported community members calling for reassurance and support. Engineer Muhammad Ali recounted coming to the United States as a teenager and said the president’s words have had real consequences in schools, where some Somali American students have faced bullying; ‘‘Words have consequences,’’ he said.

Organizers and speakers encouraged residents to know their rights and to use available city and nonprofit resources. A representative from the Council on American-Islamic Relations thanked the coalition of faith institutions, non‑profit groups and volunteers who helped organize the gathering.

The event concluded with a pledge to continue community outreach, one-on-one assistance for concerned residents and participation in the Dec. 13 day of action. No formal votes or council actions were taken during the gathering.