Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine refuted false claims by former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were stealing and eating people’s pets. DeWine stated that the claims originated online and had no basis in reality. City officials, including Mayor Rob Rue, confirmed that there was no evidence to support these allegations. DeWine acknowledged the hard work done by Haitian immigrants in filling job vacancies but expressed concern over the strain on the city’s resources due to the influx of migrants. While DeWine did not directly address whether the racist rhetoric could endanger community members, he endorsed Trump for the upcoming election.
The Trump administration denounced the false claims as “dangerous,” warning that such misinformation could lead to violent actions. During a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump reiterated the debunked claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating pets. ABC’s David Muir fact-checked the statement, highlighting the lack of evidence to support the accusations. Despite City Manager Bryan Heck stating that there were no credible reports of pets being harmed by immigrants, Vance continued to spread the false information. Vance dismissed the lack of evidence and questioned the city manager’s awareness of the situation on the ground.
DeWine emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources and factual information rather than spreading baseless claims. He emphasized the need to trust local officials who were monitoring the situation closely and affirmed that there was no substantiated evidence of pet theft or abuse by Haitian immigrants. DeWine’s support for Trump in the upcoming election did not deter him from speaking out against the misinformation being spread about the immigrant community in Springfield. The governor acknowledged the contributions of Haitian immigrants to the local economy while acknowledging the challenges posed by the surge in migration to the city.
The White House expressed concern over the repercussions of false claims, warning that such misinformation could incite violence and harm individuals within the immigrant community. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby cautioned against acting on baseless allegations that could lead to dangerous consequences. DeWine stood by the assertions of city officials and refuted claims made by Trump and Vance, emphasizing the need for accurate information to guide policy decisions. The controversy surrounding the false claims underscored the responsibility of public officials to uphold the truth and protect vulnerable communities from harmful rhetoric. DeWine’s decision to confront the misinformation highlighted the importance of promoting unity and understanding among diverse populations in Ohio.
