Springfield Faces Overseas Threats Due to Trump’s Lies About Haitians

In Springfield, Ohio, a series of bomb threats, predominantly determined to be from overseas, has led state police to provide additional security at local schools. The decision to send state troopers was made following inflammatory remarks made by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance, who falsely alleged that legal Haitian immigrants in the area were involved in unsavory activities, including eating pets.

Last week, the city experienced over 30 hoax bomb threats targeting schools, government buildings, and even the homes of elected officials. This prompted immediate evacuations and closures, with two schools additionally evacuated just on Monday. Republican Governor Mike DeWine cited foreign actors as the main source of these threats but refrained from disclosing the specific country involved.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Dan Tierney, confirmed that a majority of these bomb threats originated from outside the United States. However, he could not specify how law enforcement officials were able to trace the threats back to foreign sources, nor would he reveal the country’s identity, as this could potentially provoke further threats.

Tierney noted, “These threats are largely attributed to foreign actors, not individuals from our community or other parts of the U.S. This is significant because it provides reassurance that it is safe for children to attend school.” He emphasized the importance of enhancing security measures to alleviate fears within the community.

On Monday, Governor DeWine announced the deployment of dozens of Ohio State Highway Patrol members to ensure the safety of schools in the area. Each of the 18 Springfield City School District schools will have two highway patrol officers assigned to them, according to district spokesperson Jenna Leinasars.

The officers will perform safety sweeps of the school buildings both before and after classes, and they will be stationed at the schools throughout the day to monitor for any potential threats. On Tuesday morning, a visible police presence was noted at a middle school, with students being dropped off without any issues.

Springfield, a predominantly white, blue-collar city with a population of around 60,000, has seen a significant increase in the number of Haitian immigrants in recent years. Many have found employment in local factories and warehouses, which have struggled to fill open positions. This influx of new residents has placed additional strain on local services, education systems, and increased housing costs.

Governor DeWine has urged the federal government to provide more assistance to cities like Springfield. Despite the challenges, he and local officials have consistently refuted the online rumors that were exacerbated by Trump’s comments during a recent presidential debate and subsequently echoed by Vance.

City officials expressed their concerns on Tuesday, stating that the unfounded allegations regarding Haitian residents have significantly affected the community by generating unnecessary fear, division, and financial strain. These claims have disrupted school operations and other essential services.

Springfield spokesperson Karen Graves issued a statement emphasizing the detrimental financial impact of the inflammatory rumors, noting, “Unfounded claims, including sensational rumors, have led to increased expenses and monetary damages for the city, as we have been forced to allocate resources to address these falsehoods and maintain the peace and unity we work hard to foster.”