Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, said Monday that a series of recent bomb threats targeting the city of Springfield were all “hoaxes,” some of which originated from “certain countries” overseas.
The 77-year-old governor told reporters Monday that police have responded to at least 33 bomb threats against government offices, schools and medical centers in Springfield since the city gained national attention over an influx of Haitian immigrants.
“33 threats, 33 hoaxes,” DeWine said at a news conference in Springfield. “Let me be clear: none of them were substantiated at all.”
The governor suggested the threats were being made by foreign actors.
“Unfortunately, there are people overseas who are engaging in these actions,” DeWine said, “and some of them are coming from certain countries.”
The governor did not name the countries, but both Russia and Iran have been accused by U.S. officials of trying to influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
“They see this as another opportunity to disrupt our country,” DeWine said of the threatening foreign powers, “and they continue to do so.”
“We can't let the bad guys win. Schools must stay open,” he added, noting that additional law enforcement will be deployed to Springfield amid the ongoing threats.
“The people who are engaging in these activities are doing so to sow discord in our communities,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Commissioner Andy Wilson. “We can't let them do that. We must continue to provide the services the residents of Springfield and Clark County expect.”
Former President Donald Trump said during a presidential debate last week that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were kidnapping and eating pets, a comment that many believe was intended as a threat to the town.
“In Springfield, dogs are being eaten. People are coming in there and eating cats. They're eating the pets of people who live there,” the Republican presidential candidate said, repeating unfounded claims that have been circulating on social media.
Springfield Mayor Brian Heck said in a statement that the city has “no credible reports of specific allegations that pets have been harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Officials announced Monday that the town has canceled its annual event celebrating diversity, arts and culture in response to the increase in threats.
