By Miriam Jordan
On Monday, Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio unveiled plans to send state troopers to the troubled city of Springfield to reassure local residents that schools remain secure amidst a surge of bomb threats.
The threats emerged last week after Donald Trump referenced Springfield in a presidential debate, reiterating a groundless rumor that purported Haitian immigrants in the city were kidnapping and consuming household pets.
Since that time, 33 bomb threats have been directed at city schools, including a recent incident on Monday when two elementary schools were evacuated due to threats, according to DeWine. City Hall and two hospitals have also been subjects of these threats.
During a press briefing, DeWine stated that none of the bomb threats have “any credibility whatsoever.”
However, the threats have unsettled the community and disrupted education for thousands of students. The deployment of 36 troopers, starting Tuesday, aims to alleviate concerns and ensure that students can concentrate on their studies.
“We must take every threat seriously, but children have a right to be in school, and parents should be reassured that their kids are safe,” the governor said. “The enhanced security will help mitigate some of the anxiety stemming from these hoaxes.”
Before Trump’s mention of the rumor during the debate, his running mate JD Vance had already propagated the claims regarding Haitians in Springfield consuming pets — allegations that city officials have consistently denied.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of Haitians have moved to Springfield to take up jobs in the region. Vance, who is Ohio’s junior senator, has pointed to Springfield in recent months to criticize the Biden administration’s border policies, suggesting that the influx has strained social services, clinics, and schools.
DeWine indicated that the troopers would be stationed at 17 school buildings starting Tuesday, conducting checks of all school properties before classes commence and remaining on-site throughout the day and after school hours.
He mentioned that investigators had found many of the threats were being generated from outside the United States.
“A significant number of these threats are originating internationally, crafted by those looking to exacerbate the current discord surrounding Springfield,” DeWine stated. “We cannot let the villains prevail.”
In a statement, Dr. Bob Hill, superintendent of the Springfield City School District, condemned the threats and their impact on students. “Our students, staff, and school community do not deserve disruption to their daily routines due to meaningless threats of violence,” he remarked.
Higher education institutions in Springfield have also faced threats and interruptions.
Wittenberg University conducted classes remotely Monday following a series of email threats targeting the Haitian community, according to a statement from the liberal arts institution.
Clark State College also announced that it would be holding classes remotely and rescheduling all activities this week due to received threats.
The city also announced on Monday that it would cancel a yearly festival, CultureFest, set for September 27-28, due to safety worries.
Vance, who initially spread the rumors, stated on CNN over the weekend that he had received numerous “firsthand” accounts from constituents.
He dismissed any claim that his repetition of the fabrications had contributed to the threats, asserting that he condemned violence.
“All I have done is highlight the grievances of my constituents, who are suffering as a result of Kamala Harris’ policies,” he stated. “Are we not allowed to address these issues because some disturbed individuals are threatening violence?”
Vance subsequently remarked, “If I must create narratives to draw the attention of the American media to the suffering of the American populace, then that is what I will do.”
