SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A week after Former President Donald Trump amplified claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were killing and eating people’s pets, the community is still being rocked by threats and inflammatory rhetoric from outside actors.
Springfield City Schools Superintendent Robert Hill said the district received another threat Tuesday, which was unfounded.
Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced three dozen members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol field force would be added to district buildings.
Hill said even with the extra law enforcement presence at the schools, attendance was still down from parents keeping students home due to fears about the threats. He added teachers and students were still visibly upset and strained from the threats and events of the past week.
“We did not have threats seven days ago. We did not have these concerns seven days ago,” said Springfield Mayor Rob Rue. “We would like those on the national stage that can bring peace, that can tamper their words, that’s what Springfield is asking. We need peace. We need help, not hate.”
Even with the threat Tuesday, Superintendent Hill said it was the closest to a normal school day the district has had in a week.
DeWine toured Simon Kenton Elementary School Tuesday. Simon Kenton was one of the schools targeted by threats in recent days. He said troopers were very present and teachers were doing their best to present a normal learning environment.
“We will continue the protocol we have started this morning. We will continue this protocol as long as it is necessary. You can be assured we will have troopers there. We will have troopers very visual,” Governor DeWine said.
Tensions are still high in the community. The events of the past week have left many people living in the community uneasy. Many people didn’t want to go on camera Tuesday due to backlash they, or others, have received after speaking out in the last week.
Carl Ruby, Pastor of Community Christian Church in Springfield, has worked closely with the city’s Haitian population long before the events of recent weeks. Members of his church frequent the Haitian Community Help & Support Center to help teach English and offer other resources. He said much of the hate has been coming from outside the city and it’s wearing on people.
“It’s been total chaos. It’s something none of us have been prepared for,” Ruby said. “A week and a half ago, it was nothing like this. When it became politicized and politicians started mentioning it and spreading rumors, all hell broke loose.”
He still stays in contact with members of the Haitian community and said many are very concerned about the current climate.
“They’re scared. They’re afraid. They’re very afraid. Imagine what it’s like sending your kid to school in this context,” he said. “I can’t imagine fleeing my country because of unrest like the Haitians have and be treated like they’re being treated right now.”
There have been rumblings former President Donald Trump may be visiting Springfield in the coming days. Mayor Rue said a visit from either candidate would put immense strain on resources in the community that are already being stretched thin and both should consider not coming.