The mayor of Springfield, Ohio, Rob Rue, has issued an emergency proclamation in response to the rise in public safety threats stemming from false rightwing rumors about the city’s migrant communities. Rue emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting its residents and taking immediate steps to ensure security. The proclamation enables city officials to acquire necessary resources to address potential threats, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and violence.
After rightwing politicians, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, spread false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, the city faced over 30 bomb threats targeting schools, government buildings, and officials’ homes. Several establishments, including clinics, grocery stores, and nonprofits, were forced to evacuate due to bomb threats. Governor Mike DeWine condemned the false rumors and urged national figures to stop spreading harmful misinformation.
Vance defended his comments about immigrants eating pets, placing the responsibility on the media to fact check stories. However, he later admitted to being willing to create fake stories for attention. Authorities in Springfield and Ohio have repeatedly debunked the rumors, emphasizing that they are not true. Rue’s emergency proclamation aims to address the escalating threats and ensure the safety of the community amidst the spread of dangerous misinformation.
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