FBI Investigates Anti-Haitian Threats at Springfield, Ohio University – Reuters

By Douglas Gillison

The FBI announced on Sunday that it is evaluating the credibility of threats directed at Haitians residing at Wittenberg University, spurred by unfounded assertions from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump claimed that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were reported to be consuming cats and dogs.

These alarming threats, which included intentions to shoot at Haitian migrants, prompted Wittenberg University to close its campus for a day. The FBI’s involvement comes after similar threats arose in the region, following comments made by Trump and his running mate, Republican Senator JD Vance from Ohio, regarding the false narrative about Haitians.

On Saturday evening, Wittenberg informed the community that all events planned for Sunday would be canceled due to an emailed threat, advising students, faculty, and staff to take extra precautions while on campus.

"The FBI is collaborating with the Springfield police department and Wittenberg University to assess the legitimacy of these recent threats, share information, and initiate appropriate investigative measures," stated a representative from the FBI’s Cincinnati field office.

Local Haitians have expressed concerns for their safety amidst the escalating situation. Wittenberg University spokesperson Karen Gerboth indicated that a second threat had been received but was quickly addressed on campus.

Additionally, it was reported that at least one other nearby institution also faced similar threats. Clark State College announced on social media that it had canceled classes in one building earlier in the week due to a safety issue in Springfield. Attempts to reach a spokesperson for Clark State College were unsuccessful.

A Sergeant from the Springfield Police Division, who opted to remain anonymous, informed reporters that there had been no notable incidents reported around the campus area as of Sunday morning.

In various television appearances on Sunday, Vance defended the unsubstantiated claims, asserting that they were not entirely baseless and had highlighted local social issues neglected by the media.