SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to visit Springfield, Ohio, this week, a city that has recently been embroiled in controversy over claims made by Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance. The former president and Vance have propagated unfounded accusations that Haitian immigrants in the city are responsible for killing and eating pets, including dogs, cats, and even geese.
City officials and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine have vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as misinformation. The allegations emerged during a recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump, which saw a rise in tensions and over 50 bomb threats directed at Springfield. In response, DeWine announced that the Ohio Highway Patrol would be stepping up security measures around local schools in the area to ensure the safety of students and residents.
During the debate, Trump made alarming statements, asserting, “They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.” His rhetoric has continued, with Trump adding to the controversy at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, where he alleged, “Residents are reporting that the migrants are walking off with the town’s geese.”
J.D. Vance has also been vocal about the issue, telling NBC News that he dismisses the accusations as not being a figment of imagination, citing concerns voiced by his constituents. In a separate interview with CNN, Vance admitted to sometimes fabricating stories to garner media attention and highlight what he describes as the suffering of the American people.
As tensions rise in Springfield, local leaders are calling for calm and urging residents to rely on verified information rather than sensationalized claims.