Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bomb threats prompt lockdowns at Springfield, Ohio hospitals days after Trump’s migrant conspiracies

The Ohio town was thrust into the spotlight earlier this week when former President Donald Trump claimed that Haitian migrants were stealing and eating the pets in the community

Andrea Cavallier
Saturday 14 September 2024 23:02 BST
Comments
In the aftermath of Trump’s wild claims, Springfield has endured bomb threats,targeting schools, city buildings, and other local institutions
In the aftermath of Trump’s wild claims, Springfield has endured bomb threats,targeting schools, city buildings, and other local institutions (REUTERS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two hospitals in Springfield – the Ohio city at the center of Trump’s false pet-eating claims – were placed on brief lockdowns after receiving bomb threats Saturday morning.

Both medical centers have resumed normal operations after police and hospital security found nothing suspicious during their search.

“The safety protocols we have in place for these instances allow us to work quickly with local law enforcement to investigate threats thoroughly and ensure the safety of our patients and staff,” Kettering Health Springfield said in a statement.

The other alleged target was Mercy Health’s Springfield Regional Medical Center, which went into lockdown after officials heard of the alleged bomb threat around 6am.

“One of our most important responsibilities is the safety and security of our patients, visitors, associates and physicians,” a spokesperson for the Springfield Police Division said.

Haitian refugees in Springfield, Ohio say Donald Trump’s inflammatory claims earlier this week while debating VP Kamala Harris have helped create a terrifying day-to-day reality for them
Haitian refugees in Springfield, Ohio say Donald Trump’s inflammatory claims earlier this week while debating VP Kamala Harris have helped create a terrifying day-to-day reality for them (AP)

Springfield has endured bomb threats targeting schools, city buildings, and other local institutions after the Ohio town was thrust into the spotlight earlier this week when former President Donald Trump brought up a racist conspiracy during the presidential debate that Haitian migrants were stealing and eating the pets in the community.

“They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said on Tuesday as Kamala Harris’s expression flitted between shock and amusement.

Local authorities had already debunked the lies even before Trump peddled the narrative on the debate stage, with Springfield police saying there is no credible evidence to support the allegations.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in