Ohio State Police to Protect Schools in Springfield Amid Political Furor and False Claims

Ohio state police will help protect schools in Springfield, Ohio, following a series of bomb threats that have swept the city. Governor Mike DeWine announced on Monday that dozens of members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be stationed in city schools starting Tuesday to ensure the safety of faculty and students. The security measures come in response to at least 33 separate bomb threats made in recent days, all of which were determined to be hoaxes.

The threats, which forced the evacuation of Springfield City Hall, several schools, and state motor vehicle offices, have caused widespread concern among residents. Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of providing a safe environment for the community, stating, “People have the right to feel safe as well as being safe.”

The situation in Springfield has garnered national attention after false claims about Haitian immigrants eating domestic pets and waterfowl were repeated by former President Donald Trump, his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and the Republican presidential campaign. President Joe Biden condemned the spread of lies and hate, calling for an end to the misinformation.

In response to the threats and safety concerns, Springfield officials have canceled the city’s annual celebration of diversity, arts, and culture, known as CultureFest. Two colleges in Springfield, Wittenberg University, and Clark State College, have also shifted to virtual classes due to recent events.

Despite the challenges faced by the city, Governor DeWine praised the resilience of Springfield and the contributions of the Haitian community. He emphasized the importance of respecting the legal status of the Haitian immigrants in the city and denounced the spread of hate and misinformation.

As Springfield works to address the security threats and maintain a sense of community, residents like Bill Teager and Paul Gomia have shown their support for the Haitian-owned businesses in the city. The efforts to promote unity and safety in Springfield continue as the community navigates through this challenging time.