A nonprofit organization representing the Haitian community has taken legal action against former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance for their alleged role in causing chaos and threats in Springfield, Ohio. The Haitian Bridge Alliance filed criminal charges, accusing Trump and Vance of disrupting public services, making false alarms, telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing, and complicity. The charges stem from false claims made by Trump during a presidential debate, which led to a series of bomb threats and safety concerns in the community.

The filing, made in the Clark County Municipal Court, seeks to affirm probable cause and issue arrest warrants against Trump and Vance. The organization's attorney, Subodh Chandra, emphasized the intent behind their actions, stating that the persistent spread of falsehoods despite official denials demonstrates a willful flouting of criminal law. The Trump-Vance campaign defended the former president's stance on immigration, attributing the situation to the failure of the current administration's policies.

The influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants to Springfield in recent years, many of whom were recruited for local jobs, led to heightened tensions and security threats in the community. Bomb threats targeting government buildings and schools prompted closures and increased law enforcement presence, creating fear among residents. Chandra underscored the severity of the situation, highlighting that if it were not for the status of Trump and Vance, they would likely have been arrested by now for their actions. The attorney argued that the principles of law should apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their status.