Springfield, Ohio Mayor Rob Lew issued an emergency declaration on Thursday to allow the city to quickly address public safety concerns following false claims by former President Trump and vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) that Haitian immigrants in the city were eating residents' pets.
“Ensuring the safety of Springfield residents is our number one priority,” Lu said in a statement. Reported From Spectrum News: “We take these threats seriously and are taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of our communities and employees. Our commitment to prevention is unwavering.”
According to a press release from Lew's office, the emergency powers will remain in effect until the risk to public safety ends.
The proclamation comes after President Trump falsely claimed during a presidential debate with Vice President Harris more than a week ago that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating their pets. President Trump and Governor Vance have repeatedly highlighted the now-false claim, stoking growing fears in the city, particularly among Haitian residents.
CNN Reported On Monday, the city of Springfield said it had received more than 30 bomb threats, and the threats caused the temporary closure of at least two schools and two universities.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also announced Monday that he would deploy the state Highway Patrol to monitor schools.
“Many of these threats are coming from overseas and are being made by people who want to stoke the ongoing discord around Springfield. We cannot let the bad guys win,” Gov. DeWine said Monday.
However, Governor DeWine did not blame President Trump for the recent series of bomb threats, and said the Biden administration's border and immigration policies are legitimate issues to discuss, The Hill reported Tuesday.
