Ohio town cancels cultural festival after Haitian immigrants eat pets, sparks outcry

Springfield, Ohio, a city caught in a political turmoil over Haitian immigration, canceled its annual multicultural celebration in response to days of violent threats that have closed schools and government offices. At the same time, the governor said additional resources would be sent to Springfield to help city officials deal with the consequences of the political turmoil. The city of Springfield announced that the two-day “Cultural Festival” was canceled “in light of recent threats and security concerns.” The festival was originally scheduled for September 27 and the theme was diversity, art and culture. “We are very sorry to have to cancel the “Cultural Festival.” We know this is an event that our community loves. However, the safety of residents and visitors must come first,” City Manager Brian Heck said in a statement. Local Haitian immigrants prey on family pets and waterfowl. Former US President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance and the Republican presidential campaign team amplified this proven untrue claim, making Springfield the focus of close attention in recent days. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, condemned the false rumors. He said there was no evidence that such a thing happened. Starting Tuesday, dozens of members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, or state troopers, will be stationed at Springfield’s elementary and middle schools to sweep each building each morning before staff or students arrive, he said at a news conference in Springfield on Monday. Security cameras have also been installed throughout the city. Last week, Springfield City Hall, several schools and the state Office of Motor Vehicle Administration were forced to evacuate due to bomb threats. DeWine said at least 33 bomb threats had been received in recent days, all of which were pranks. He said some of the threats came from overseas, but he declined to identify specific countries. “We can’t let the bad guys succeed. Our schools must remain open. They will remain open,” DeWine said. Two Springfield universities held classes online on Monday. Wittenberg University said it received two threats over the weekend, “both directed at members of the Haitian community.” Clark State College said it would hold classes online until Friday “due to recent events in Springfield.” Thousands of Haitian immigrants have settled in this blue-collar, mostly white city of about 60,000 people in recent years, finding jobs in factories and warehouses that have previously struggled to fill positions. The sudden influx of immigrants has put a strain on schools, health care facilities and city services and driven up housing costs. President Joe Biden spoke about the situation in Springfield Monday during an appearance at a Historically Black College and University Week conference in Philadelphia, denouncing what he called “lies and hatred.” “It’s wrong. It’s simply wrong. It’s got to stop,” he said.