Wittenberg University has taken the precautionary measure of canceling all activities and events scheduled for September 15th following the receipt of an alarming email alerting them of a potential on-campus shooting threat in Springfield, Ohio.
According to a campus police department alert, the email specifically targeted members of the Haitian community.
The increase in threats to local government, businesses, and schools over the past week in Springfield has compelled university administrators to treat this threat with utmost seriousness, promising to provide continual updates to the campus community as they gather more information on the situation.
Springfield, a blue-collar city that experienced the closure of many factories several decades ago, has recently witnessed a surge in its population due to an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants settling in the city.
Recent tensions in Springfield have heightened following the circulation of viral social media posts accusing Haitian immigrants of killing and consuming dogs, cats, and geese. These unverified allegations have amplified public concern.
During a city council meeting on August 27th, residents expressed safety concerns, alleging that immigrants, specifically Haitians, were involved in car accidents, damaging property, and harming pedestrians.
Springfield gained national attention during the September 10th presidential debate when former President Donald Trump claimed, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in, they’re eating the cats… they’re eating the pets of the people that live there.” Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio), Trump’s running mate, echoed these concerns, accusing Haitian immigrants of instigating chaos in the city.
Local authorities, however, have stated that they have not received any reports of Haitians engaging in such activities.
On September 12th, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott addressed bomb threats targeting City Hall, two elementary schools, and a few driver’s license bureaus. As a precautionary measure, Clark County court facilities were also cleared.
The following day, students at two elementary schools were evacuated and relocated within the district due to an unspecified threat received by the school district from the Springfield Police Department. Meanwhile, a middle school remained closed before the start of the school day.
City officials confirmed that city commissioners and a municipal employee were targeted by a bomb threat email, with a subsequent email threatening City Hall, a school, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and a license bureau.
In coordination with the FBI, Springfield and Clark County authorities are actively investigating the origin of these threatening emails.
Further bomb threats aimed at two hospitals in Springfield were reported on September 14th. Police promptly conducted thorough inspections and confirmed the facilities to be safe.
Concerned residents have expressed frustrations over increased wait times at hospitals, grocery stores, drivers license bureaus, and various other facilities since the influx of Haitian migrants.
Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, a Republican, has deployed the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist local law enforcement with traffic-related issues in Springfield.
Republican candidate for state Senate in the region encompassing Springfield, Kyle Koehler, highlighted cultural differences as one of the factors contributing to tensions between residents and immigrants. He emphasized the need for better understanding and dialogue.
In a recent campaign speech, Koehler mentioned that Haitian migrants in Springfield receive monthly debit cards through the Refugee Cash Assistance program, providing them with financial support ranging from $600 to $1,600. They are also eligible for other public assistance programs available to U.S. citizens.
Additionally, more than 20,000 Haitian refugees have been registered with Job and Family Services in Clark County and Springfield, resulting in a significant presence of non-English speaking students within the public school system.
Ohio Auditor Dave Yost has announced plans to investigate how the rapid influx of immigrants into Springfield is affecting the city’s population. He attributed the issue to the significant increase in population without adequate communication or assistance from the federal government.
An event was organized by the Haitian Times and the Haitian Community Help and Support Center on September 14th, bringing together activists, Haitian residents, and members of the media to address the claims made regarding immigrants killing and consuming pets and wild animals. Due to prevailing circumstances, the gathering transitioned into a virtual event.
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