Schools and government buildings in Springfield, Ohio, were evacuated due to bomb threats, following false rumors about Haitian immigrants spread by former President Donald Trump.
BollywoodFever: For the second day in a row, bomb threats caused schools and government buildings in Springfield, Ohio, to be evacuated.
The threats come as the community faces unwanted attention following former President Donald Trump’s amplification of false claims that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets.
An email sent to officials stated that bombs had been planted at the homes of Springfield’s mayor and other local leaders, according to city spokesperson Karen Graves.
Another email warned that bombs would be detonated at various locations, including Springfield City Hall, several schools, and local offices such as the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
All the buildings mentioned in the threats were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities, alongside bomb detection dogs, searched the sites and confirmed they were clear of any explosives.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our community and take all threats to public safety with the utmost seriousness,” Graves said.
She also mentioned that the city is working with the FBI’s Dayton office to investigate the source of the threats.
The Springfield City School District emphasized the seriousness of the threats in a statement, noting that “all threats to the Springfield City School District are taken seriously and will be prosecuted at the highest levels.” The district thanked families for their patience as they navigate this troubling time.
The threatening emails referenced the recent arrival of thousands of Haitian immigrants in Springfield, a mostly white, blue-collar city of around 60,000 residents located 45 miles from Columbus.
During a recent debate, Trump repeated false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, including cats and dogs.
These comments echoed earlier claims made by members of his campaign, including Ohio Sen. JD Vance, as well as rumors about immigrants allegedly taking fowl from public parks.
Unfounded rumors about immigrants in Springfield began circulating in March when some claimed three Haitian men were seen catching a duck and a goose in a local park.
A sign that read “Please Do Not Eat The Ducks” was later posted in the park, though it was removed by authorities on Friday.
The sign appeared to be professionally made, said Brad Boyer, deputy director of the National Trails Parks and Recreation District.
In an interview with NewsNation, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue stated that the claims about immigrants are “just untrue” and are casting a negative image on the city.
“Springfield is still beautiful, and your pets are safe,” Rue said. “There’s a lot of frenzy on the internet, but this is not what we’re seeing. It’s a bit frustrating.”
Mayor Rue acknowledged that the influx of immigrants is putting a strain on local resources, including police, hospitals, and schools. He noted that the city had requested assistance several months ago.
“There is a culture clash, and we see it,” he said. “But national leaders have not helped us address this issue.”
In response to the situation, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently pledged $2.5 million over the next two years to support healthcare services in the county, while the Ohio State Highway Patrol will assist local law enforcement with traffic-related issues linked to the growing immigrant population.
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