Official announcements from Springfield Mayor's office or local government website

Springfield, Ohio Faces Crisis Over Trump and Vance's False Claims About Haitian Immigrants, Bomb Threats Surge

Sep 20, 2024, 02:13 PM

The small city of Springfield, Ohio, has been thrust into the national spotlight following false claims by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, that Haitian immigrants in the city are eating household pets. These baseless accusations have led to a surge in bomb threats, heightened racial tensions, and widespread fear among residents. The city's Haitian community, numbering between 15,000 to 20,000, has faced harassment and threats, with many afraid to leave their homes or send their children to school. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue have both condemned the false claims, emphasizing that the Haitian immigrants are legally in the city and contribute positively to the local economy. DeWine, a supporter of Trump and Vance, expressed disappointment over the harmful rhetoric, stating it misrepresents the community. The mayor has enacted temporary emergency powers to address the public safety concerns. Journalists covering the issue have also faced harassment, and the situation has drawn national attention to the broader issue of anti-immigrant rhetoric in American politics. Additionally, false claims about skyrocketing communicable diseases have been debunked by local health officials.