SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — An Ohio city at the center of a political row over Haitian migrants canceled its annual celebration of cultural diversity Monday in response to days of violent threats that have shuttered schools and government offices. The governor, meanwhile, said resources would be sent to Springfield to help city officials deal with the fallout.
Springfield’s two-day CultureFest, which highlights diversity, arts and culture, was set to kick off Sept. 27 but has been canceled “in light of recent threats and safety concerns,” the city announced.
“We deeply regret having to cancel CultureFest, as we know it is a beloved event for our community,” City Manager Bryan Heck said in a statement. “However, the safety of our residents and visitors must come first.”
Springfield has received a lot of attention in recent days after former president donald trump, his running mate JD Vanceand the Republican presidential campaign have amplified debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets and waterfowl.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, has condemned the false rumors and said there is no evidence to support them. He said at a news conference in Springfield on Monday that dozens of members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be stationed at Springfield schools starting Tuesday, sweeping each building each morning before teachers or students arrive. Security cameras have also been placed in various locations around the city.
Springfield City Hall, several schools, and the Springfield State Motor Vehicle offices were forced to evacuate last week after receiving bomb threats. At least 33 separate bomb threats have been made in recent days, all of them hoaxes, DeWine said. He said some of the threats came from abroad, but he would not say which country.
“We can’t let the bad guys win. Our schools have to stay open. They will stay open,” DeWine said.
Two Springfield colleges held classes virtually on Monday. Wittenberg University said it received two threats over the weekend, “both of which targeted members of the Haitian community.” Clark State College said it would continue operating virtually through Friday “due to recent events in Springfield.”
Thousands of Haitian immigrants have settled in recent years in the predominantly white, working-class city of about 60,000 residents, about 45 miles (70 kilometers) from the state capital of Columbus, where they have found work in factories and warehouses that have struggled to fill vacancies. The sudden influx has caused tension schools, healthcare institutions and municipal services and drove up housing costs.
President Joe Biden, who attended the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia on Monday, addressed the situation in Springfield and condemned what he called the “lies and hate.”
“It’s wrong. It’s just wrong. And it has to stop,” he said.
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Rubinkam reported from northeastern Pennsylvania.