SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Bomb threats prompted the evacuation of schools and government buildings for a second day Friday in an Ohio community that has become the focus of unwanted attention after former President Donald Trump amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants kidnap and eat pets.
An email threat said bombs had been planted in the homes of Springfield’s mayor and other city officials, said Karen Graves, a city spokeswoman. A second email said bombs would be detonated at locations including Springfield City Hall, a middle school, a high school, two elementary schools, a local office of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and a licensing office.
The buildings were evacuated and authorities searched and cleared them with bomb-sniffing dogs, officials said.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our community and take all threats to public safety very seriously,” Graves said. “We are currently working with the Dayton office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine the origin of these email threats.”
The Springfield City School District said in a statement Friday that “all threats to the Springfield City School District are taken seriously and will be pursued at the highest levels. The District’s message to families continues to be one of gratitude for their patience and understanding as our Wildcat Family navigates these events.”
The threatening emails referred to a influx of thousands of Haitian immigrants to the predominantly white, working-class city of about 60,000 residents, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) from the state capital of Columbus.
During Tuesday’s presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump repeated debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs. Trump’s comments echo similar claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, and other Republicans.
