Ohio Community Targeted Amid Misinformation on Haitian Immigrants
Daily life for many Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, has been upended following false rumors spread by Donald Trump and his running mate about Haitian migrants eating pets. The city — located about 45 miles from the capital city of Columbus and with a large Haitian immigrant population has received at least 33 bomb threats, all were fake. Some of these threats were directed at Springfield schools, including elementary schools, as mentioned by Governor Mike DeWine in a recent press conference after meeting with city officials.
Wittenberg University Cancels Sunday Events After Bomb Threat
Wittenberg University canceled all Sunday events following a bomb threat aimed at its Haitian community. The threat, received via email on September 14, 2024, warned of a potential shooting on campus the following day.
Broader Context of Threats – Ohio Community on Haitian Immigrants
This incident is part of a troubling trend. Several institutions, including hospitals and elementary schools, have faced similar threats following false accusations propagated by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. The accusations falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants were responsible for eating local pets.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
In response to the threats, Wittenberg University has implemented extreme safety measures. The university’s alert noted that the threats specifically targeted Haitian members of its community. Another local campus received a similar threat, intensifying the safety concerns.
Trump’s Reaction to the Threats – Ohio Community on Haitian Immigrants
When questioned about the threats, Trump feigned ignorance. He told reporters, “I don’t know what happened with the bomb threats. I know that it’s been taken over by illegal migrants, and that’s a terrible thing that happened.”
False Rumors and Public Reaction
The situation was further exacerbated by a false social media post. Springfield resident Erika Lee admitted that her Facebook post about Haitians eating pets was based on misinformation. Lee, who spread the rumor after hearing a third-hand account, said, “It just exploded into something I didn’t mean to happen.”
Government Response for Ohio Community on Haitian Immigrants
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticized the false claims, stating, “Look, there’s a lot of garbage on the internet and, you know, this is a piece of garbage that was simply not true. There’s no evidence of this at all.”
Impact on Local Schools and Safety Measures
The threats have led to significant disruptions in the community. At least three public schools were evacuated, Clark State College closed its buildings for two days, and a local Catholic school dismissed students early due to safety threats.
Personal Accounts and Community Impact
Jean-Patrick Louisius, Ohio Community on Haitian Immigrants, expressed fear and frustration, telling The New York Times, “Honestly, I don’t feel safe. It’s not good right now.” Another Haitian resident added, “We were already worn out from what is happening in Haiti. We didn’t come here for this.”
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