In Springfield, Ohio, the destructive consequences of former President Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric are becoming alarmingly evident. The recent surge in anti-immigrant vitriol, driven in part by Trump and his allies, has led to the evacuation of two schools and two college campuses in the area due to bomb threats.
Wittenberg University and Clark State College announced they would transition to virtual classes and cancel on-campus events for the week following threats that raised serious concerns for student safety. The Springfield City School District (SCSD) also reported evacuating students from Simon Kenton Elementary and Kenwood Elementary schools after receiving similar threats, marking the fifth and sixth SCSD buildings affected in just one week.
“Late [on] Saturday Sep 14, the college received an email threat via the admissions link on our website, which raised concerns about a possible shooting,” Clark State College said in a public bulletin. “On Sunday, we received an email of a bomb threat to the Springfield campus.”
The threats have been attributed to a broader wave of anti-immigrant sentiment stoked by Trump and JD Vance’s false claims about Haitian immigrants. Over the past few weeks, the Republicans’ incendiary statements—including the unfounded allegation that Haitian residents in Springfield are involved in bizarre acts of violence against pets—have fueled an environment of fear and hostility.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine revealed that law enforcement had investigated at least 33 bomb threats recently, many of which were hoaxes. “These threats have all been hoaxes. None of them have panned out,” DeWine stated, urging that the focus should remain on keeping schools open and ensuring safety.
“We have people, unfortunately, overseas who are taking these actions. some of them are coming from one particular country,” he said. “We think that this is one more opportunity to mess with the United States, and they’re continuing to do that. So we cannot let the bad guys win. Our schools must remain open.”
Trump’s rhetoric has intensified the already heated debate surrounding the Haitian community in Springfield, which has grown significantly in recent years. Many Haitians have settled in Springfield due to the city’s efforts to attract new workers amidst economic struggles. However, the recent influx has strained local resources and intensified tensions.
Beginning tomorrow and continuing for the foreseeable future, @OSHP troopers will be stationed throughout the Springfield City School District. This is purely a precaution to prevent further disruption caused by unfounded bomb threats. pic.twitter.com/3FJlT605Gk
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 16, 2024
The impact of Trump’s false accusations was palpable last week when, following his debunked claims, there were temporary closures of government buildings, schools, and a cultural festival in Springfield. The fear and division sown by such rhetoric have placed immigrant lives in jeopardy and further polarized communities.
Springfield’s Mayor Rob Rue highlighted the grave implications of such rhetoric, stating, “It would be helpful if politicians understood the weight of their words and how they could harm a community like ours.” As the situation unfolds, the detrimental effects of Trump’s incendiary language on national unity and immigrant safety are becoming increasingly clear.
