Facing backlash over spreading misinformation about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, Sen. JD Vance tried to shift blame towards Vice President Kamala Harris and the immigrant influx during her vice presidency. In a recent CNN interview, Vance wrongly attributed an 81% increase in murders in the city to Harris and her policies. However, data from the past presidential terms and the local prosecutor's office contradict Vance's claims.

The Republican vice presidential candidate's assertion that murders in Springfield have surged due to Harris' policies was quickly debunked by examining the murder statistics over the years. Despite Vance's claims, figures from President Barack Obama's second term, Trump's presidency, and Biden's term show fluctuating numbers of murders, with no clear correlation to immigration policies. In fact, data from Ohio for 2021 to 2023 revealed just two murders in the first half of 2024, indicating a decrease compared to previous years.

Crime data expert Jeff Asher pointed out that the murder rate in Springfield remained relatively low, and any variations from year to year could be attributed to random factors rather than specific policies or groups. Local and state officials have not linked the uptick in murders to immigrants, with law enforcement emphasizing safe driving concerns among the Haitian immigrant community in the state. The Republican top prosecutor in Clark County confirmed that there have been no murders involving the Haitian community as either victims or perpetrators in his 21 years of service.