Mayor Rob Rue of Springfield, Ohio, announced on Thursday the invocation of temporary emergency powers to address public safety issues stemming from misinformation about Haitian immigrants, which has incited bomb threats and potential violence within the community.
These emergency powers allow Mayor Rue to mobilise resources and tackle possible threats effectively. The proclamation highlights the need for efficient responses to risks such as civil unrest, cyber threats, and violence.
False claims propagated by former President Donald Trump, alleging that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating local pets, have created a sense of fear in the small Midwestern city. Officials have reported receiving over 30 threats following the second presidential debate.
Springfield’s mayor claims emergency powers to ‘mitigate public safety concerns’ as threats continue to swarm cityhttps://t.co/1XkmZxUL65
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Springfield police have not provided further details about these threats. Meanwhile, Walmart confirmed that local police briefly evacuated two of its Springfield stores on Wednesday. The Pregnancy Resource Center of Clark County, a local Kroger supermarket, and a Planned Parenthood centre also received threats, according to CNN affiliate WHIO.
In light of these threats, several area colleges have shifted to remote learning this week. Students returned to campus on Tuesday under heightened security measures, including state troopers, tower cameras, and bomb detection dogs.
Ohio’s Department of Public Safety Director, Andy Wilson, stated at a news conference on Thursday that authorities have been receiving multiple bomb threats daily. He mentioned a bomb threat at Clark State College earlier that day, which was deemed a hoax. Wilson emphasised that individuals making such threats would face full legal consequences.
Pastor Carl Ruby of Central Christian Church described the post-debate situation as chaotic. Ruby urged former President Trump to acknowledge his misinformation and ask hate groups to leave Springfield. While Ruby aligns with President Biden’s immigration policies due to his Christian beliefs, he stressed the need for federal financial support, estimating that Springfield requires $5-10 million immediately.
Despite these issues, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, persist in their false claims about Springfield. At a Wednesday night rally, Trump promised to visit the city soon and criticised Mayor Rue for not expelling migrants. Rue suggested that a change in Trump’s plans would send a message of peace to Springfield, urging national figures to promote truth over hate.
Springfield estimates that around 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants reside in the city and Clark County. The city refuted claims that Haitian immigrants are illegal, noting they are legally present under the Immigration Parole Program initiated by the Biden administration in 2023. Participants in this program are vetted and must have a sponsor in the US, with over 210,000 Haitians entering the US through this pathway, according to recent US Customs and Border Protection data.
What Other Media Are Saying
- **ABC 6**: Springfield Mayor Rob Rue assumes temporary emergency powers to address security concerns, prioritizing public safety amid national attention over immigration issues. (Read more)
- Yahoo News reports Springfield mayor Rob Rue declares emergency powers to address bomb threats and safety concerns sparked by false immigration claims, prioritizing public safety and community well-being. (Read more)
- Springfield Mayor assumes emergency powers to address rising public safety concerns amid threats of violence following false claims about Haitian immigrants, highlighting the impact of misinformation on local governance and public safety. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did the mayor of Springfield, Ohio, issue a proclamation?
To mitigate public safety concerns amid false claims about Haitian immigrants.
What temporary powers does Mayor Rob Rue have?
He can obtain and mobilize resources to address potential threats.
What false claims did Trump make about Haitian immigrants?
He falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating local pets.
What actions have local colleges taken in response to the threats?
Several colleges have transitioned to remote learning and increased security.
Are Haitian immigrants in Springfield there legally?
Yes, they are here legally under the Immigration Parole Program.
