Schools in Springfield are enhancing security measures following a series of bomb threats, sparked by false claims about Haitian immigrants that gained attention after being discussed by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.
The claims, which suggest Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating pets, have been debunked, but they have nonetheless led to heightened tensions in the city.
In response to the threats, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that 36 state troopers would be stationed across Springfield to ensure the safety of local schools. The decision came after multiple schools were evacuated due to bomb threats, with two local colleges moving their classes online as a precaution.
“Parents are scared, and when parents are scared, we need to react,” said DeWine.
He emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of students and families. He reassured the public that the bomb threats were unfounded and noted that many originated overseas, aimed at deepening the discord surrounding Springfield’s immigrant community.
DeWine, while pushing back on the false claims, acknowledged the challenges Springfield has faced with an influx of immigrants in recent years. However, he made it clear that there was no credible evidence to support the claims about pets being harmed.
“The internet is the internet. Crazy stuff occurs… Our job is to say, ‘Look, this is not true,'” he said.
The city has seen heightened tensions in recent days, with far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Ku Klux Klan marching in the streets, further adding to the sense of unease. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, in a plea for calm, expressed frustration at the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding the situation.
“If they just backed off their words a little bit, this could help our environment. We need help, not hate,” Rue said.
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, has defended his decision to share these claims, stating that he was merely amplifying the concerns of his constituents.
“People are frustrated with the national media attention… You’re never going to get this stuff perfect,” he said.
Despite widespread calls for him to retract the claims, Vance refused, stating that he was drawing attention to larger issues with immigration policy.
The controversy began after Trump, during a recent debate, referenced the false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield.
“They’re eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what’s happening in our country,” Trump said.
His comments have since been widely condemned by local officials, who insist that there is no truth to the rumors.
Despite the baseless nature of the claims, the threats against Springfield schools have caused significant disruption. The city has canceled its annual CultureFest and placed a strong focus on community safety in the coming weeks. Governor DeWine remains committed to ensuring peace, while calling for the public to reject the false information driving the threats.
“We cannot let the bad guys win,” DeWine stated.
He urged residents to remain calm and focus on unity during this challenging time for the city.
With input from CBS News, the New York Times, USA Today.
