Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, has canceled all activities and events scheduled for September 15 following an email about a potential on-campus shooting threat. The email specifically targeted Haitian members of the community. The school’s campus police department released an alert stating that they are cooperating with the Springfield Police Division and the FBI to investigate the threat. The city of Springfield has recently experienced an increase in threats to local government, businesses, and schools.
Springfield is a blue-collar city that saw many of its factories shut down years ago. In recent days, tensions have risen due to viral social media posts alleging that Haitian immigrants in the city are killing and eating dogs, cats, and geese. Videos from a city council meeting on August 27 also showed residents expressing concerns about immigrants causing safety issues by crashing their vehicles into other cars, buildings, and pedestrians.
During a presidential debate on September 10, former President Donald Trump claimed that Haitians in Springfield were eating pets. Senator JD Vance also made statements on social media accusing Haitian immigrants of causing chaos in the city.
However, city officials and police have stated that they have not received any reports of Haitians eating animals. Despite this controversy surrounding immigration issues in Springfield, bomb threats have become another major concern for law enforcement.
On September 12th alone, bomb threats were reported at Springfield City Hall, two elementary schools, and several driver’s license bureaus. Clark County court facilities were cleared as a precautionary measure. The following day saw evacuations at two elementary schools due to unspecified threats received by the school district from the police department.
City spokesperson Karen Graves revealed that both city commissioners and a municipal employee had been targeted by emailed bomb threats as well. Authorities are working with local FBI agents to determine the source of these threatening emails.
Furthermore,on September 14th two hospitals in Springfield received bomb threats which prompted police action.The facilities were subsequently cleared after thorough inspections took place.Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott expressed empathy for how these incidents affect their community but assured residents that public safety remains their top priority.
Residents have voiced concerns about traffic accidents caused by new residents from Haiti who may not be familiar with driving laws or understand English well enough to read street signs.Ohio Governor Mike DeWine dispatched state troopers to assist local law enforcement with traffic-related issues.
Cultural differences between residents and immigrants have also contributed to tensions within the community.Haitian migrants receive financial assistance through various programs available to U.S citizens such as Refugee Cash Assistance program.They can access public assistance programs too.Kyle Koehler,a former state representative,said over 20k refugees registered under Job & Family Services.
Earlier this year,the Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians until Feburary 3rd ,2026.Yost ordered investigation into ways stop “extreme population growth” due migrants coming into SpringField.He questioned federal government’s power regarding migration influx without communication or assistance.On Septemeber14th,Haitian Times organized virtual event discussing claims about immigrant killing pets & wild animals
