University and college campuses in Springfield, Ohio, canceled activities and moved to remote instruction after receiving threats of violence tied to false claims about Haitian immigrants in the city. Wittenberg University and Clark State College both canceled events and moved to virtual instruction after a series of threats against government offices, schools, hospitals, and other facilities. The threats led to three elementary schools being evacuated, a middle school and City Hall being closed, and two hospitals going into lockdown. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine denounced the false claims and expressed support for the Haitian community in Springfield.
Wittenberg University received shooting and bomb threats prompting the cancellation of events and the move to remote instruction. Clark State College also received email threats and decided to conduct virtual classes for the week at all campuses. The threats began after former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance spread misinformation about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, claiming they were stealing and eating pets. City officials have found no credible reports of pets being harmed by Haitian immigrants and have condemned the spreading of false information. The parents of a child killed in a traffic accident involving a Haitian immigrant also spoke out against the use of their son’s death for political gain.
Despite the threats and false claims, state and local officials are working to ensure the safety and well-being of the Haitian community in Springfield. The FBI is investigating the threats, and increased security measures are being implemented on campus. Springfield officials are providing additional counseling services to students and employees affected by the situation.
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