Bomb Threats Reported at City Hall and Several Buildings in Springfield, Ohio

A bomb threat led to a significant police operation in Springfield, Ohio, on Thursday morning, as reported by the city commission office.

The threat was communicated through email to numerous agencies and media organizations, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott informed the press that explosive-detecting K-9 units assisted in the evacuation of several locations named in the threat. These included two elementary schools, City Hall, and multiple driver’s license bureaus. Additionally, the county court facilities were cleared as a precautionary measure.

The FBI is collaborating with local police to trace the origin of the threat, according to Elliott.

This incident comes amid a backdrop of unfounded rumors that emerged recently, alleging that Haitian migrants were involved in pet abductions in Springfield. These rumors circulated widely on social media and were notably echoed by right-wing politicians, including former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance.

During a debate earlier this week, Trump remarked, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”

A spokesperson for the city of Springfield refuted these claims, emphasizing that there are “no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals in the immigrant community.”

The spokesperson further clarified that no verified incidents had been reported regarding immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of local residences. Additionally, they stated that there haven’t been reports of immigrants disrupting local traffic.

Springfield is home to an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants, who have settled in the area due to its affordable cost of living and job opportunities. City officials noted that the rapid population growth has begun to affect housing, healthcare, and educational resources in the region. However, they asserted that these migrants are legally in the country, with many holding Temporary Protected Status.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance expressed strong disapproval of the circulating rumors, labeling them “baseless and inflammatory.” They argued that such claims not only reinforce damaging stereotypes but also contribute to the harmful stigmatization of immigrant communities, particularly affecting Black immigrants from Haiti.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has also pushed back against the rumors, confirming their inaccuracy and announcing plans to allocate additional resources to Springfield.

In light of these events, community members and officials are working to address the misinformation and support the local immigrant population.

As the investigation into the bomb threat continues, authorities aim to maintain public safety and quell the rising tensions fueled by unfounded claims.