Threats Arise from Facebook Post on Cat-Killing Allegation in Springfield, Ohio

A conversation between neighbors in Springfield, Ohio has sparked a national media storm after a misstated social​ media post claimed that Haitian immigrants were killing and ‍eating‌ pets. Erika Lee and ⁣Kimberly Newton, who live next‌ to ⁤each other ⁣in a usually‍ quiet neighborhood, now fear for their safety due to the backlash.‌ Springfield, once a⁤ booming industrial community, has seen⁣ an increase​ in its‌ population with the ⁣arrival of Haitian immigrants⁤ over the past four years. Estimates suggest that anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000​ Haitians have ⁤settled in the city during this period. The controversy began‍ when ‍Lee wrote a facebook‌ post based ⁣on information she received from Newton about⁢ her⁢ daughter’s friend ⁢losing her cat. ⁢The post alleged⁤ that Haitians living nearby had hung the cat ⁤from a branch ‌and ⁣were carving it up for food.‌ Conservative-leaning accounts shared the post on social media platforms, leading to widespread attention before ⁢President Donald Trump mentioned it during a presidential debate. However, city officials and law enforcement ⁣have⁣ dismissed these claims as false. ​Despite apologies from Lee and clarification from Newton ⁢about‌ what was actually said during their conversation, both women have faced threats and harassment as a result of‍ the incident.⁣ While ⁢some residents have testified about incidents ⁣involving Haitian immigrants killing animals at‍ city ⁤council meetings earlier this year, there is no credible evidence supporting these claims according to ⁢local ‍authorities. As attention continues to focus on this controversy surrounding pet killings by Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Newton hopes that⁢ efforts will⁣ be directed towards ⁣finding solutions for issues such as‌ transportation infrastructure and healthcare as the immigrant ‍population grows in the city.