Two hospitals in Springfield, Ohio, went into lockdown Saturday after receiving bomb threats, marking the fourth such incident in as many days. Police believe these threats are linked to false claims circulating among far-right groups that Haitian immigrants in the area are eating pets and wildlife. Kettering Health Springfield and Mercy Health’s Springfield Regional Medical Center were both targeted, though searches revealed no suspicious activity. Despite the threats, Mercy Health continued operations, with officials praising law enforcement and staff for their prompt response.
Donald Trump made the allegation that Haitian immigrants were eating pets during the debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Leads to the threats come after a local woman, Erika Lee, admitted to starting the unfounded rumors. In a post that went viral, Lee claimed a neighbor’s daughter had found her missing cat at a Haitian family’s home, a story she later confessed to having no direct knowledge of. Lee expressed regret and apologized, saying she never intended to harm the Haitian community. The city had already debunked these claims prior to the incident.
Local authorities believe the rumors may have been exacerbated by separate incidents, including the arrest of a Canton man for killing and allegedly eating a cat. Additionally, a viral photo of a man carrying two geese in Columbus was clarified by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, which confirmed the man was collecting animals hit by a car, with no connection to Haitian immigrants.
Since 2017, approximately 15,000 Haitian immigrants have settled in Springfield, primarily employed in local factories and produce packaging plants.
