Springfield, Ohio – September 12, 2024 – Springfield city officials have evacuated City Hall following a bomb threat. The threat was reportedly made by an individual claiming to be a local resident unhappy with the town’s immigrant population.
Mayor Rob Rue confirmed the evacuation on Thursday, stating that the threat was directed at multiple facilities in Springfield. “Due to the bomb threat issued to several locations today, City Hall is currently closed,” the city government announced on social media.
This incident comes on the heels of inflammatory remarks made by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. During a debate with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were involved in bizarre and disturbing activities, including the abduction and consumption of pets.
Trump’s comments have amplified existing tensions, despite no evidence supporting these claims. The rhetoric aligns with Trump’s long-standing pattern of portraying immigrants in a negative light.
Local officials and fact-checkers have debunked these claims. According to the city’s website, the local Haitian and Haitian American population, estimated at 12,000 to 15,000, has been integral to the community. Haitian immigrants have legally settled in Springfield under the Immigration Parole Program, contributing to the local economy by opening businesses and filling various job positions.
Despite these contributions, some conservative figures, including Trump’s vice-presidential running mate JD Vance, have criticized the impact of immigrants on housing and public services in Springfield. Vance echoed Trump’s sentiments, attributing rising costs and other issues to the influx of Haitian immigrants.
A 2021 study by the Cato Institute highlights that Haitian immigrants are more likely to work but face higher poverty rates compared to native-born Americans.
Concerns about safety have risen within the local Haitian community. According to the Haitian Times, members of this community are increasingly worried about their security. One Haitian resident, speaking anonymously, shared that her niece is afraid to attend school due to the hostile environment. “We’re all victims this morning,” she said. “They’re attacking us in every way.”
This situation underscores the growing tension and fear among Springfield’s immigrant population as they face heightened scrutiny and misinformation.