The small city of Springfield, Ohio, is in turmoil following a surge of bomb threats and civil unrest triggered by false claims about Haitian immigrants, which have stoked fear and violence in the community. On Thursday, Mayor Rob Rue issued a proclamation granting himself emergency powers to address the escalating threats and ensure public safety. The move comes in response to a wave of false allegations, spread by former President Donald Trump and his allies, that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are stealing and eating local pets.
The proclamation allows Mayor Rue to mobilize resources to respond more efficiently to a growing number of threats. "This will enable departments to respond more efficiently to emerging risks, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and potential acts of violence," the mayor's office stated.
The false claims began to circulate after the second presidential debate, during which Trump repeated unsubstantiated allegations about Haitian migrants. These statements have since led to over 30 threats of violence, forcing evacuations at local schools, businesses, and even the Pregnancy Resource Center and a Planned Parenthood office. Springfield police have yet to provide specific information about the threats but confirmed that they have been overwhelmed by the volume of bomb hoaxes.
"Every day we are getting multiple bomb threats," said Andy Wilson, Ohio's director of the Department of Public Safety, during a press conference on Thursday. He emphasized that although the threats have so far been hoaxes, they have placed an enormous strain on the city's resources. "If you get caught calling in a bomb threat, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Wilson warned.
Several schools in the Springfield area have transitioned to remote learning due to safety concerns, and state troopers, including bomb detection dogs, have been deployed to monitor campuses. Parents have expressed their distress over the impact the threats have had on their children. "My daughter is 10 years old, and she's scared to go to school. This isn't right," said local parent Martin McWhorter. His daughter's school was among those evacuated earlier in the week.
Carl Ruby, pastor of Central Christian Church in Springfield, expressed his frustration with the situation. "It's been complete chaos since the debate," Ruby told CNN. He urged Trump to retract his statements, which have incited the unrest. "I prayed for Trump's safety this morning, but I wish he would acknowledge that he was misinformed and ask these hateful groups to leave our city," Ruby said.
Trump, however, has shown no indication of backing down from his false claims. At a rally on Wednesday, he reiterated his allegations and criticized Mayor Rue for not expelling the migrants from Springfield. Trump also promised to visit the city "within the next two weeks." Rue responded by urging both Trump and his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, to reconsider visiting Springfield, stating that such visits could further inflame tensions. "We've asked many times that those with the national spotlight speak the truth," Rue said. "We need help, not hate."
Springfield, a city of about 60,000 people, has a significant immigrant population, with an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants living in the area, many of them Haitian. The city has refuted Trump's claims, pointing out that the Haitian immigrants in Springfield are here legally under the Immigration Parole Program, established by the Biden administration in 2023. The program allows vetted immigrants to enter the U.S. legally if they have a sponsor.
Despite local officials and law enforcement repeatedly debunking the false claims, the effects of the disinformation campaign have been severe. Children in Springfield have become increasingly fearful due to the constant threat of violence. "These kids are like sponges, absorbing everything. We just wish it would stop," said John Michael Moore, a local parent.
The situation has also placed an emotional and physical strain on the Haitian community in Springfield. Romane Pierre, who manages Rose Goute Creole Restaurant in the city, said his business has received hateful calls following Trump's remarks. "People call and ask, 'Do you have cat today? Do you have dog today?' It's scary," Pierre said. His restaurant, located near an elementary school that was evacuated due to a bomb threat, has also experienced a surge in support from people outside the community. "People are driving from Columbus, Cincinnati, even Indiana, just to show their support," Pierre said.
In addition to the bomb threats, Springfield officials are grappling with how to meet the financial needs of the community in the face of the influx of immigrants. Pastor Ruby said that while he supports President Biden's immigration policies, more financial assistance is urgently needed. "We need $5 to $10 million right now," Ruby said, adding that the city is struggling to provide basic services due to the increased population and heightened security needs.
As Springfield navigates this crisis, local leaders are urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading further misinformation. Melanie Flax Wilt, president of the Clark County Commission, acknowledged the challenges the city is facing. "This national attention has created a stressful environment for everyone, including our educators and first responders," she said. "But our community has also come together in positive ways to combat these rumors."
