Ohio's Springfield city faced bomb threats on Thursday, prompting evacuations at several establishments, including the City Hall. Police confirmed the threats, which led to the closure of multiple city, county, and school buildings. The threats were sent via email, but specifics about the content were not disclosed.
Springfield City Hall was evacuated at 8:30 a.m., according to the Springfield News-Sun. Mayor Rob Rue confirmed that all personnel in City Hall were safely moved out. Clark County buildings were also shut down as a precaution, affecting various departments, including the Department of Job and Family Services, Common Pleas Court, and the Board of Elections. The county announced further closures would be communicated as necessary.
The threats coincided with a recent surge in Republican rhetoric concerning Haitian immigrants in Springfield. Some Republicans have spread conspiracy theories suggesting that Haitian immigrants are stealing and consuming local pets, including cats and ducks. This issue even surfaced during the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Tuesday.
However, Springfield police have dismissed these claims, stating that they have not received any reports of such incidents. Despite the police's dismissal, Ohio Senator JD Vance and other Republicans have continued to criticize the Biden-Harris administration's immigration policy, linking it to the alleged issues.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke out against the ongoing rhetoric, emphasizing the potential dangers of spreading unfounded allegations. "There is a pattern of bomb threats, mass shootings, and other violent targeting of these communities," Ocasio-Cortez said. "When JD Vance or Donald Trump spread malicious claims like those about eating pets, they are doing more than just making harmful statements."
The exact motive behind the bomb threats remains unclear, and officials have not confirmed any connection between the threats and the rumors about Haitian immigrants. Schools were also prioritized for evacuation, with authorities acting swiftly to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Local news reports indicated that the threats led to significant disruptions throughout Springfield, as public buildings were closed "out of an abundance of caution." A statement released by county officials at 11:45 a.m. reassured the public that they would provide updates on additional closures as needed.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, with many concerned about the impact of the recent events. The authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The situation has highlighted the broader issues surrounding political discourse and its impact on public safety in Springfield and beyond.
