Springfield schools reopen with heightened security amid immigrant threat hoaxes

Classes resumed in Springfield, Ohio, on Tuesday with heightened security measures in place due to ongoing threats linked to false claims about Haitian immigrants. The state provided additional security, including state troopers, tower cameras, and bomb detection dogs at Springfield schools, which have faced numerous bomb threats since late last week, according to Governor Mike DeWine.

These threats emerged following last week’s presidential debate, where former President Donald Trump made unfounded allegations that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were stealing and eating pets. Governor DeWine firmly denied these rumours and stated that local business leaders view Haitian immigrants as essential workers.

On Tuesday night, DeWine told “PBS News Hour” that comments like those from Trump and his running mate JD Vance are harmful to hardworking immigrants and should cease immediately.

Springfield OH schools have reopened with police presence because of #maga threats on the black students.

Do you want this every single day if he’s President? I don’t.

— Pesach Lattin 🇺🇸🦅 (@pesach_lattin) September 17, 2024

Springfield, home to about 60,000 residents and located 80 miles north of Cincinnati, has seen a 25% population increase in the past three years, partly due to Haitian immigrants, according to Mayor Rob Rue.

The threats have disrupted daily life, forcing adults to have difficult conversations with children, said Jeremy Hudson, senior pastor at Fellowship Church. Children are confused and seeking answers that are hard to provide, he noted.

Governor DeWine revealed he hasn’t recently spoken with Trump or Vance. While Trump would be welcomed to visit Springfield, DeWine stressed that city resources are currently strained. Mayor Rue also preferred postponing any such visits due to this strain.

Starting Tuesday, 36 state troopers will patrol Springfield’s 17 school buildings daily, providing security throughout the day. Ohio Homeland Security is conducting vulnerability assessments and providing tower cameras for police. Bomb detection dogs will be stationed in the city daily.

At a Tuesday news conference, DeWine said Springfield received one unfounded threat in the last 24 hours. He assured parents that although the threats appear to be hoaxes, security measures will remain stringent to ensure children’s safety. A bomb threat also targeted the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, linked to Springfield’s events.

Springfield City School District Superintendent Robert Hill encouraged parents to send their children back to school, noting that Tuesday was the closest to normal the schools had been since the debate. However, lingering fear due to unfounded threats continues to affect attendance.

One Tecumseh High School student was arrested for making an online terroristic threat, reported Hill. He warned that more threats might arise but reaffirmed that, with state support, Springfield schools are prepared to serve their students.

Two colleges and two elementary schools closed for in-person learning on Monday following separate threats, none of which were valid. Students at Simon Kenton and Kenwood Elementary schools were evacuated based on police information. Wittenberg University shifted to virtual learning for the week due to bomb threats and a campus shooting threat targeting members of the Haitian community.

Clark State College also moved to virtual classes after receiving threats via email. Additionally, two area hospitals had to shut down last week due to similar threats.

Springfield cancelled its annual “CultureFest,” a festival celebrating diversity and culture, scheduled for September 27 and 28, due to safety concerns.

Mayor Rue thanked Governor DeWine for supporting local leadership against the false claims and urged national leaders to speak truthfully. He noted the city had no threats before the debate and now faces significant costs to address security issues.

Clark County, where Springfield is the county seat, has a substantial Haitian immigrant population, with some arriving legally through a parole program. Governor DeWine emphasised that these immigrants are hardworking and legal residents.

Officials from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office found no evidence to support other claims, such as Haitians stealing geese from parks.

Mayor Rue acknowledged that while the influx of immigrants has strained infrastructure, the recent national attention has exacerbated the situation, leading to additional threats and financial burdens.

Philomene Philostin, a Haitian American business owner, said the rumours are particularly distressing for children in her community. Her own child has faced uncomfortable questions about Haitian culture, causing embarrassment and stress. Philostin wishes Trump would apologise for spreading false accusations, highlighting the fear and concern among Springfield residents.

Pastor Hudson noted that while the influx of Haitian immigrants has boosted the local economy, it has also increased resource demands. Local discussions on immigration had already been tense before the debate brought national attention to Springfield, intensifying the situation.

Hudson remarked that the recent events have been unprecedented, adding unnecessary difficulty to the community’s efforts to unite.