**Springfield Reels from Bomb Threats Following False Accusations by Trump**

Springfield, Ohio, finds itself at the heart of controversy and disruption after a series of hoax bomb threats surged following claims made by former President Donald Trump during a recent presidential debate. Trump falsely accused members of Springfield's Haitian community of abducting and eating pets, a charge that has since been thoroughly debunked.

The escalation of these groundless accusations, amplified by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, comes as they criticize President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, which are defended by Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite city officials acknowledging the challenges posed by the arrival of some 15,000 Haitian immigrants, they adamantly deny any evidence supporting Trump’s bizarre claims.

In the past week alone, more than 30 bomb threats have targeted schools, government buildings, and city officials' homes. This wave of threats has led to widespread evacuations and closings. The city's annual celebration of diversity, arts, and culture was also called off in response to these security threats.

Governor Mike DeWine has revealed that the majority of these threats originate from foreign actors, although he did not specify the countries involved. In an effort to reassure the community and ensure safety, DeWine deployed members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol to all 18 city schools. The schools now conduct daily sweeps, and a bomb-sniffing dog has been stationed in the city for ongoing surveillance. Despite these measures, many parents chose to keep their children home from school.

In addition to bolstering school security, DeWine has committed $2.5 million over two years to enhance primary health care support. The state highway patrol is also assisting local law enforcement with traffic management, recognizing that many newly arrived Haitian immigrants are still unfamiliar with U.S. traffic regulations.

City officials have condemned the misinformation and falsehoods about Haitian immigrants, which they say have stirred fear, sowed division, disrupted education, and drained taxpayer resources. They have called for public figures and media to promote unity and understanding rather than divisive rhetoric.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue acknowledged the strain on local services, including police, hospitals, and schools, due to the increased immigrant population. Rue criticized the federal government for not offering sufficient support but urged national leaders to speak truthfully and temper their statements.

The influx of Haitian immigrants is partly due to the city's effort to attract employers, and the community has helped meet labor demands in local factories and warehouses. Many Haitians are in the U.S. under a Temporary Protected Status program, escaping violence in Haiti.

Amid these tensions, members of the Haitian community in Springfield have expressed feelings of alienation and fear. Rose-Thamar Joseph noted the community's heightened anxiety, while Mia Perez recounted her daughter’s troubling experiences at school, where she faced taunts regarding the baseless pet-eating rumors.

The situation in Springfield highlights the profound impact of misinformation and the need for careful, truthful discourse in addressing sensitive issues involving immigrant communities.