Since false claims surfaced about Haitian migrants eating people’s pets in Springfield, Ohio, there have been at least 33 bomb threats in the area, all of which have been determined to be hoaxes. Governor Mike DeWine condemned these threats during a news conference after meeting with city officials, emphasizing the need for children to be in school and for parents to feel that their children are safe. The threats targeted Springfield schools, leading to evacuations of school buildings last week, as well as a threat against City Hall. These threats occurred shortly after false claims were spread online by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, about Haitian migrants in Springfield.
Trump and Vance falsely alleged that Haitian migrants were causing issues in Springfield, with claims that pets were being abducted and eaten by these individuals. However, city officials and police have denied these claims, calling them lies that are being circulated online. Springfield police have found no credible reports of immigrants harming people’s pets, and Mayor Rob Rue has called for the spread of misinformation to stop. Governor DeWine mentioned that some of the threats are coming from overseas, potentially from a specific country, with the intent to disrupt normal functions in the United States and sow discord within communities.
In response to the bomb threats, additional security measures have been implemented in Springfield, including the installation of tower cameras, the use of bomb-detecting dogs, and the deployment of state law enforcement officers to assist in responding to threats. DeWine announced that the Ohio State Highway Patrol would conduct sweeps with bomb-detecting dogs in all 17 school district buildings in Springfield before classes start each day, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. The city government also canceled the annual CultureFest celebration downtown due to security concerns arising from the bomb threats.
There are over 15,000 Haitian migrants living and working in Springfield, many of whom have been granted Temporary Protected Status by the U.S. government due to ongoing unrest in Haiti. DeWine defended the Haitian migrants, stating that they have a right to be in Springfield and contribute to the community. While acknowledging that immigration and border issues are legitimate topics for discussion, he emphasized the importance of supporting legal residents in Springfield and refuted the false claims being spread about them. DeWine, along with other city officials, reiterated that there is no evidence to support claims of immigrants eating people’s pets in Springfield, urging the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could lead to further discord in the community.
The threats made against Springfield schools and city facilities have been disruptive to daily operations and have caused concerns about the safety and well-being of residents. DeWine condemned the individuals responsible for the hoaxes, describing their actions as an attempt to sow discord and disrupt normal functions within the community. Despite the challenges posed by the bomb threats, efforts are being made to enhance security measures and maintain a sense of normalcy in Springfield. By addressing the false claims and taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of residents, officials are working to protect the community and prevent further disruptions caused by false information and malicious threats.
