- Wittenberg University had to cancel its activities on September 14 and 15 after a threat of a possible shooting, directed at migrants
Threats against Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield, Ohio (United States), have increased in recent days, according to media reports. Wittenberg University announced it was on alert after receiving a threat of a possible shooting on September 15.
The threat, directed at the school’s Haitian community, was sent via email, the campus reported on its website.
The institution warned that another local campus received the same threat, events that are being investigated by the Wittenberg police, the Springfield police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In light of these threats, all students, faculty and staff must “exercise extreme caution and be alert to their surroundings,” while all weekend activities and sporting events have been cancelled.
“University administrators acknowledge that the City of Springfield has experienced an increase in threats to local government, businesses and schools over the past week,” the statement concluded.
The threats come after several Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. James Vance, spread unsubstantiated claims that Haitian immigrants are killing and eating the pets of city residents.
Following these statements, several schools in Springfield had to close due to bomb threats.
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Springfield city officials have denied receiving calls reporting that Haitian migrants are eating pets and have asked for the rumors to stop. However, they have continued to spread, including on social media.
On September 15, in an interview on CNN, Vance did not back down, saying that the claims are based on what his constituents are telling him “firsthand.” He also claimed to have evidence that “migrants are capturing geese from the local park pond and eating them.”
On the threats that the city is suffering as a result of having been mentioned in the debate between Trump and vice president and Democratic candidate Kamala HarrisVance said Springfield residents are at risk because they can’t afford housing and hospitals are overwhelmed “because Kamala Harris allowed 20,000 Haitian migrants to be brought to a small town in Ohio.”
The arrival of Haitian migrants in Springfield
In recent years, Springfield has seen the arrival of more than 10,000 Haitian migrants who have settled in the area in search of work.
On September 13, at a press conference at his golf club in Palos Verdes, California, Trump opined that “illegal Haitians are destroying the way of life of the people in that area.”
The Republican presidential candidate’s remarks have been questioned by President Joe Biden, who on September 13 called for an end to that theory.
Haitian community in the United States rejects Trump’s accusations
The Haitian community in the United States, a country with at least one million people, half of them settled in South Florida, expressed its discontent with the comments of former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump about eating dogs and cats.
“It’s bad, bad, bad. We Haitians are angry,” said Yolanda Fertil, 75, in an interview with the EFE news agency.
Paul Christian Namphy, political director of the Family Action Network Movement (FANM), said it was “very serious” that Trump repeated these accusations in a debate.
“These are insulting, ugly words, demonizing our community. It is a plan to demonize and criminalize not only the Haitian community, but all immigrant communities, and it is also an attack against people of color in general,” said the activist of one of the largest Haitian organizations in Florida.
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#Increase #threats #Haitians #Springfield
2024-09-16 15:02:11
– What safety measures are being implemented in Springfield, Ohio, to protect Haitian migrants amid recent threats?
Threats Against Haitian Migrants in Springfield, Ohio: A City on High Alert
In a disturbing turn of events, Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, was forced to cancel its activities on September 14 and 15 due to a threat of a possible shooting targeting Haitian migrants. The threat, sent via email, has sparked widespread concern and increased tensions in the city.
Rumors and Unsubstantiated Claims
The threats come amidst a spate of unsubstantiated claims spread by Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. James Vance, that Haitian immigrants are killing and eating the pets of city residents. These claims, which have been denied by Springfield city officials, have led to bomb threats against several schools in the area.
Wittenberg University on High Alert
Following the threat, Wittenberg University announced that it was on high alert, with all students, faculty, and staff advised to exercise extreme caution and be alert to their surroundings. All weekend activities and sporting events were cancelled as a precautionary measure.
Investigation Underway
The Wittenberg police, Springfield police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the threat, which is believed to have been sent to another local campus as well.
Springfield Authorities Ask to Stop the Rumors
Springfield city officials have pleaded with residents to stop spreading unsubstantiated rumors, which they claim are baseless and have no foundation in fact. Despite this, the rumors continue to spread, including on social media.
Vance Refuses to Back Down
In an interview on CNN, Ohio Sen. James Vance refused to back down from the claims, stating that they are based on what his constituents have told him “firsthand.” He also claimed to have evidence that “migrants are capturing geese from the local park pond and eating them.”
Community in Fear
The threats and unsubstantiated claims have left the Haitian community in Springfield feeling vulnerable and fearful. With tensions running high, it is essential that authorities and community leaders work together to quell the rumors and ensure the safety of all residents.
The Importance of Verifying Information
This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially on social media. The spread of unsubstantiated claims can have serious consequences, leading to fear, mistrust, and even violence.
As the investigation continues, it is essential that we come together as a community to condemn these threats and rumors, and to support the Haitian community in Springfield.
Keyword List:
Wittenberg University
Springfield, Ohio
Haitian migrants
Threats
Rumors
Unsubstantiated claims
Donald Trump
James Vance
FBI
Investigation
Community safety
Verify
