Springfield, Ohio experienced bomb threats on Friday that led to the evacuation and closure of public schools and municipal buildings for the second day in a row. The threats targeted students at Perrin Woods and Snowhill Elementary Schools, as well as city commissioners and a municipal employee. Police and FBI agents are working to determine the origin of the threats.
The false claims involving Springfield’s Haitian population have garnered national attention, with rumors spreading about immigrants stealing and eating household pets. Former President Donald Trump and JD Vance have perpetuated these claims, using Springfield as an example of the consequences of immigration. However, city officials and police have stated that there is no evidence to support these allegations.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue urged those spreading misinformation to stop, emphasizing that the city is safe and that pets are not in danger. Vance has also falsely claimed a rise in communicable diseases in Springfield, but the county health commissioner refuted this, stating that the rates are actually at their lowest since 2016.
Representatives for Vance were not immediately available for comment. The situation in Springfield is still developing, and further updates are expected. Alicia Victoria Lozano reported from Springfield, Ohio, while David K. Li reported from New York City.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com