False claims linking Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, to eating residents' pets have resulted in a wave of bomb threats and disruptions in the community. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) denounced the baseless theories promoted by politicians like former President Trump and Sen. JD Vance, emphasizing that these allegations are entirely untrue and have been causing significant harm to the community. Following these unfounded comments, Springfield has been rocked by at least 30 bomb threats, forcing two schools and two colleges to temporarily shut down.

The impact of these false claims was felt deeply by Wittenberg University in Springfield, which had to transition to online classes and cancel on-campus activities due to threats received by the school. Campus and city police have increased their presence in and around the university to ensure the safety of students and staff. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue issued an emergency proclamation in response to the threats, prioritizing public safety and swift action amid the turmoil caused by the baseless allegations.

Ohio Governor DeWine highlighted that many of these threats are originating from overseas, suggesting that individuals are exploiting the situation to stoke discord within the community. While DeWine did not directly attribute blame to Trump for the recent threats, he acknowledged that the broader debate around border and immigration policies has fueled tensions. The false claims and subsequent threats have prompted a serious response from local officials, with a firm commitment to safeguarding Springfield's residents and addressing security concerns promptly.