What you should know about the threats in Springfield, Ohio, following false claims

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — A small Ohio town has been inundated with false bomb threats since last week's presidential debate, when former President Donald Trump falsely accused Members of the Haitian community in Springfield are said to have kidnapped and eaten cats and dogs.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, has increased debunked internet rumors about Haitian migrants, while Republicans criticize the immigration policies of President Joe Biden's administration, which are supported by Trump's Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. City officials acknowledge that the influx of about 15,000 Haitian immigrants is causing problems, but say there is no evidence to support claims that they are eating anyone's pets.

More than 30 bomb threats Since last week, threats have been made against schools, government buildings and homes by city officials, forcing evacuations and closures. In response to the threats, Springfield also canceled its annual celebration of diversity, arts and culture, and on Tuesday, state police were Use in urban schools.

Here are some things you should know about the situation in Springfield:

Who is behind the false threats?

Foreign actors in particular. That's according to Ohio's Republican governor, Mike DeWine, who acknowledged that most of the threats come from abroad. The governor's office says a criminal investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies found that the “vast majority” of the threats were of international origin. Officials did not provide further information on how investigators determined they came from a foreign country, nor would DeWine name the country.

What is being done?

DeWine sent dozens of members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol to all 18 of the city's schools, where searches are being conducted twice a day to prevent further disruption and to ensure parents and students are safe in the buildings. Despite the increased police presence, many parents kept their children home Tuesday.

Meanwhile, surveillance cameras have been stationed at strategic points in the city and an explosives detection dog has been sent to Springfield to be on duty around the clock.

And DeWine $2.5 million pledged over two years to increase support for basic health care. The state highway patrol also assists local law enforcement with traffic enforcement. DeWine said many Haitians are inexperienced drivers and unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws.

How does the city react?

Springfield never wanted to be in the spotlight – not like this.

On Tuesday, city officials said misinformation and falsehoods about Haitian immigrants have sown fear and division, disrupted classes and cost taxpayer dollars. In a statement, they urged public figures, community members and the media to “move beyond divisive rhetoric and instead work toward promoting unity, understanding and respect.” Trump and Vance were not mentioned by name in the statement.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said the influx of immigrants is putting a strain on police, hospitals and schools. He also criticized the federal government, saying the city asked for help months ago. But on Tuesday he urged leaders to “moderate their words and tell the truth.”

Why did so many Haitians move to Springfield?

Jobs and word of mouth.

Springfield Manufacturing jobs were lost and the population declined significantly as a result towards the end of the last century. But the city has made a great effort to attract employers, and Haitian immigrants have helped meet the growing demand for workers in factories and warehouses. Word got around, and in recent years more and more Haitians have come to the country.

Haitians from Springfield and other places came to the United States to escape the violence in their homeland. Many Haitians live here under Federal program called Temporary Protected Statuswhich allows them to live and work temporarily in the United States because conditions are considered too dangerous to return to Haiti.

What do Haitian immigrants say?

Members of the Haitian community say they felt uncomfortable even before Trump and Vance picked up on and spread the lies about eating pets, while long-time residents fretted about the impact the newcomers would have on jobs, housing and transportation.

“Some of them talk about living in fear. Some of them are afraid for their lives,” Rose-Thamar Joseph said last week at the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield.

At a church service On Sunday, Mia Perez said her daughter was evacuated from school twice last week.

“Kids in school are asked by other kids, 'What does the dog taste like? What does the cat taste like?'” Perez said. “She asks, 'Are we the kind of Haitians who eat this? Is that true? What's going on?'”

“I wasn't ready to have this conversation with my daughter,” Perez said. “I felt disrespected towards our culture.”

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Rubinkam reported from northeastern Pennsylvania.