Government buildings and an elementary school in Springfield, Ohio were evacuated Thursday after an emailed bomb threat, police said, rattling the small US city at the heart of an anti-migrant conspiracy theory amplified by Donald Trump.
Springfield has been thrust into the spotlight in recent days after an unfounded story of Haitian migrants eating pets went viral on social media, with the Republican ex-president and current White House candidate pushing the narrative despite it being debunked.
Democrats have accused Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, of fanning racial tensions as they use the Springfield conspiracy theory to elevate immigration as a campaign issue ahead of November’s election.
Trump doubled down on the rhetoric during a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday, saying that migrants are walking off with the town’s geese.
Immediately after mentioning Springfield in his speech, Trump added: I’m angry about young American girls being raped and sodomized and murdered by savage criminal aliens, though provided no specific details.
Springfield authorities said there were no credible reports of pets being harmed by members of the immigrant community — accusations that Trump also repeated in his Thursday debate against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
The White House condemned the claims on Thursday as filth and said they were endangering people’s lives.
On Thursday, Springfield police said that City Hall and several other government buildings had been evacuated after a bomb threat sent by email at 8:24 am (1224 GMT).
Authorities investigated and cleared all facilities listed in the threat with the assistance of explosive detecting canines, the force said in a statement.
Fulton Elementary School and Springfield Academy of Excellence were also listed in the threat and evacuated, according to the statement.
We are currently partnering with the Dayton office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to identify the source of the email, it added.
– Tensions in community –
Arriving at the school to retrieve his child, Haitian immigrant Mackenso Roseme told AFP that the current tensions in the community were worrying.
I’m a little stressed. I think something might happen, he said.
A sign in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole informed Roseme and other parents that the students had been moved to a high school.
Mayor Rob Rue told the Springfield News-Sun that the person who sent the bomb threat claimed to be from the city and mentioned Haitian immigration issues.
Despite the bomb threats, Trump was still reposting memes related to the conspiracy theory hours later on his Truth Social platform.
He claimed Ohio was being inundated with illegal migrants, mostly from Haiti, who are taking over Towns and Villages at a level and rate never seen before.
Springfield, with a population of about 58,000, has seen an increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years — 10,000 to 15,000 according to the Springfield News-Sun.
Social services, schools and housing have been stressed in the city for years, with some pointing to migration as a factor.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine — a Republican like Trump — gave some context to the situation in Springfield during an interview Thursday.
DeWine said 15,000 immigrants from Haiti live in Springfield, a dramatic change for the city, and added they were there under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States.
Why did they come? They came for jobs, DeWine told Fox News reporters. There’s nothing wrong with us being welcoming.
A multiracial group of pastors called a press conference Thursday in Springfield, joining hands in prayer and calling on the community to come together.
Today there were some things that happened, some threats of violence, Wes Babian, a former pastor of First Baptist Church, told AFP.
That is part of what motivated the quick calling of clergy to come together to express our support for the Haitian community and our concern for the well-being of the entire community.
– What led to the bomb threat that evacuated government buildings and a school in Springfield, Ohio?
Table of Contents
Bomb Threat Evacuates Government Buildings and School in Ohio as Anti-Migrant Conspiracy Theory Spreads Fear
In a shocking turn of events, government buildings and an elementary school in Springfield, Ohio were evacuated on Thursday after an emailed bomb threat, further escalating tensions in a small US city already reeling from an anti-migrant conspiracy theory amplified by former President Donald Trump.
The conspiracy theory, which has been thoroughly debunked, falsely claims that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Springfield. Despite the lack of evidence, Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have continued to fuel the narrative, using it as a campaign talking point ahead of the November election.
Democrats have accused Trump and Vance of stoking racial tensions and using the conspiracy theory to demonize immigrants for political gain. The White House has condemned the claims, labeling them “filth” and warning that they are putting lives at risk.
The bomb threat, sent via email at 8:24 am on Thursday, prompted the evacuation of City Hall and several other government buildings, as well as Fulton Elementary School and Springfield Academy of Excellence. Authorities investigated and cleared all facilities listed in the threat with the assistance of explosive detecting canines.
While no credible reports of pet harm have been made, the false accusations have clearly taken their toll on the community. Haitian immigrant Mackenso Roseme, who arrived at the school to retrieve his child, expressed concerns about the current tensions. “I’m a little stressed. I think something might happen,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many criticizing Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric for inciting fear and hatred towards immigrant communities. Trump’s decision to repost memes related to the conspiracy theory on his Truth Social platform, even after the bomb threat, has been widely criticized.
Racial Tensions and Anti-Migrant Sentiment on the Rise
Springfield, a city of around 58,000 people, has seen an increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years, with estimates suggesting between 10,000 to 15,000 Haitians now call the city home. While some have pointed to migration as a factor in stressing social services, schools, and housing in the city, others argue that the influx of immigrants has brought economic benefits and diversity to the community.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has acknowledged the challenges posed by the influx of Haitian immigrants, many of whom have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allowing them to live and work in the US. However, he has also urged caution against scapegoating immigrant communities and has called for a more nuanced approach to addressing the issues facing Springfield.
Fact-Checking the Conspiracy Theory
The conspiracy theory about Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield has been thoroughly debunked by local authorities, fact-checkers, and media outlets. Despite this, Trump and his supporters have continued to spread the false narrative, using it to justify anti-migrant sentiment and border control rhetoric.
In reality, there is no evidence to support the claims of pet harm or any other malicious activities by Haitian immigrants in Springfield. In fact, many Haitian immigrants have been praised for their contributions to the local economy and their integration into the community.
Conclusion
The bomb threat in Springfield, Ohio, is a chilling reminder of the dangers of spreading false information and inciting hatred towards immigrant communities. As the US gears up for the November election, it is essential that political leaders prioritize facts over fiction and work to build bridges, not walls, between different communities.
In the meantime, the people of Springfield and beyond must stand together against hate and misinformation, and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.
Keyword List:
Springfield Ohio
Bomb threat
Anti-migrant conspiracy theory
Donald Trump
JD Vance
Immigration
Haitian immigrants
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Fact-checking
Racial tensions
Anti-migrant sentiment
US election
White House
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
– What recent events have led to rising tensions in Springfield, Ohio?
Here is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic of the recent events in Springfield, Ohio:
Title: Springfield, Ohio: Tensions Rise Amidst Bomb Threats and Anti-Migrant Rhetoric
Meta Description: A bomb threat evacuation rocks Springfield, Ohio, as the city grapples with rising tensions fueled by unfounded anti-migrant conspiracy theories and rhetoric from Donald Trump.
Keywords: Springfield, Ohio, bomb threat, anti-migrant, Donald Trump, immigration, conspiracy theory, racism, xenophobia.
Article:
In a shocking turn of events, government buildings and an elementary school in Springfield, Ohio were evacuated on Thursday after an emailed bomb threat, sparking widespread concern and underscoring the rising tensions in the small US city. The incident comes on the heels of an unfounded conspiracy theory, amplified by Donald Trump, which falsely claims that Haitian migrants are eating pets in the city.
The recent controversy has thrust Springfield into the national spotlight, with Democrats accusing Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, of fanning racial tensions and using the conspiracy theory to elevate immigration as a campaign issue ahead of November’s election. Trump has repeatedly pushed the narrative, despite it being debunked, and even doubled down on the rhetoric during a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday.
The bomb threat, which was sent via email at 8:24 am, prompted authorities to evacuate City Hall, several government buildings, Fulton Elementary School, and Springfield Academy of Excellence. Explosive detecting canines were deployed to investigate and clear the facilities, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to authorities, the person who sent the bomb threat claimed to be from Springfield and mentioned Haitian immigration issues. The incident has left many in the community, including Haitian immigrants, feeling worried and stressed.
“I’m a little stressed. I think something might happen,” said Mackenso Roseme, a Haitian immigrant who arrived at Fulton Elementary School to retrieve his child.
The controversy surrounding the conspiracy theory has sparked a heated debate about immigration and racism in the United States. Trump’s rhetoric, in particular, has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and xenophobia.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has sought to provide context to the situation in Springfield, noting that the city has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants in recent years, many of whom have arrived under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
“Why did they come? They came for jobs,” DeWine said in an interview with Fox News reporters. “There’s nothing wrong with us being welcoming.”
In response to the rising tensions, a multiracial group of pastors called a press conference in Springfield, calling on the community to come together and expressing support for the Haitian community.
“Today there were some things that happened, some threats of violence,” said Wes Babian, a former pastor of First Baptist Church. “That is part of what motivated the quick calling of clergy to come together to express our support for the Haitian community and our concern for the well-being of the entire community.”
As the situation in Springfield continues to unfold, it is clear that the city is grappling with complex issues of immigration, racism, and xenophobia. It is essential that leaders and community members come together to promote understanding, tolerance, and unity in the face of adversity.
Optimized Subheadings:
Bomb Threat Rocks Springfield, Ohio
Rising Tensions Amidst Anti-Migrant Rhetoric
The Conspiracy Theory Behind the Controversy
Trump’s Rhetoric Sparks Criticism and Concern
Community Leaders Call for Unity and Understanding
The Complexities of Immigration and Racism in the US
