Did Claims of ‘Migrants Eating Pets’ Cause a String of Bomb Threats in Springfield, Ohio?
Bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio, caused evacuations, following false rumors about ‘migrants eating pets’ spread by Trump and Vance. 🌐 #News #SpringfieldOH #Ohio #Crime
SPRINGFIELD, OH – Can you imagine being a parent and hearing that your child’s elementary school was being evacuated due to a bomb threat? That was the fear that gripped many Ohio families yesterday.
A bomb threat targeting several locations in Springfield, Ohio, on Thursday morning led to a significant police operation, according to the city commission office. Authorities said the threat, sent via email, reached multiple agencies and media outlets, sparking swift action.
Police, assisted by K-9 units trained to detect explosives, worked to clear several sites mentioned in the threat.
These included: Springfield City Hall, driver’s license bureaus, county court facilities, and two elementary schools where innocent young kids were busy learning.
Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott emphasized that all buildings were evacuated and cleared “out of an abundance of caution.”
The FBI has joined local law enforcement in the investigation, with efforts focused on identifying the source of the threat.
Viral Rumors Amplify Tensions in Springfield
Although no connection has been confirmed, the bomb threats follow a wave of unfounded social media rumors. These false claims, spread widely, alleged that Haitian migrants were stealing pets in Springfield to eat them.
The misinformation gained momentum, with President Donald Trump and and his running mate Sen. JD Vance fueling the narrative.
During a recent presidential debate, Trump stated, “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.”
City officials were quick to refute the allegations. A Springfield spokesperson told ABC News there have been “no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community.” The spokesperson also dismissed rumors of other illegal activities, such as squatting or traffic disruptions caused by immigrants.
Immigrant Community Draws Support Amid False Claims
Springfield, home to an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants, has seen rapid population growth due to low living costs and job opportunities.
Many of the immigrants are Haitian and are in the U.S. legally under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Despite the pressure on local resources like housing, health care, and education, city officials stress that these immigrants are contributing members of the community.
The Haitian Bridge Alliance denounced the false claims, calling them “baseless and inflammatory.” They argue that such rumors reinforce harmful stereotypes and stigmatize Black immigrant communities, particularly those from Haiti.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine addressed the issue earlier this week, debunking the rumors and pledging additional state resources to help Springfield manage the situation.
As Springfield moves forward from these unsettling events, it’s important to honor the resilience of everyone affected, including the migrant community that has faced unjust scrutiny. From the families navigating fear and uncertainty to the first responders ensuring public safety, their courage and strength remind us of the compassion and unity that bind this community, even in the most trying times.
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