Donald Trump Faces Backlash for Springfield Bomb Threat Response
www.newsweek.com

... Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash for failing to denounce the bomb threats made in Springfield, Ohio, on Saturday.

As reported by Newsweek and The Associated Press earlier this week, an emailed threat said bombs had been planted in the homes of Springfield's mayor and other city officials. A second email said that bombs would be detonated at locations including Springfield City Hall, several schools, and offices, leading to several evacuations.

In addition, there was an emailed threat regarding a potential shooting on campus at Wittenberg University, a private liberal arts college in the city, leading to school evacuations and the canceling of planned events.

In a statement, the university said: "Wittenberg University is currently taking extreme precautions following an email sent Saturday, Sept. 14, that threatened a potential shooting on-campus on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The message targeted Haitian members of our community. Wittenberg Police are cooperating with the Springfield Police Division and the FBI to investigate this threat."

The bomb and shooting threats followed derogatory statements made by Trump about Haitian immigrants in the community.
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In Tuesday's debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump said, "In Springfield, they're eating the dogs"the people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame."

In footage reposted online, the Republican presidential nominee was asked by a reporter in Las Vegas on Saturday: "Do you denounce the bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio?"

Trump avoided answering the question directly, saying: "I don't know what happened with the bomb threats," before implying the real threat is at the border: "I know that it's been taken over by illegal migrants and that's a terrible thing that happened.

"Springfield was this beautiful town and now they're going through hell. It's a sad thing. Not going to happen with me, I can tell you right now." ...

Haitians in Ohio find solidarity at church after chaotic week of false pet-eating claims
www.pressherald.com

... For many Haitian immigrants, Sunday mornings in Springfield, Ohio, are spent joyfully worshipping God as they sing and pray in their native Creole. This Sunday, they needed that uplifting balm more than ever.

Their community is reeling " confused, frustrated, hurt " from false accusations that they are eating their neighbor's cats and dogs. The now viral and highly politicized rumors are being fueled by former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance and others, and violent threats against the community are upending daily life in their city.

"Jesus is with us in truth, and the truth is that Haitians are not eating pets and geese in Springfield," said the Rev. Carl Ruby, preaching at Central Christian Church. He invited community members to join his congregation in prayer and peaceful protest of the false rumors leveled against their Haitian neighbors.

They also demanded an apology.

"It is truth that a retraction of these rumors will help to restore peace in Springfield," Ruby said. "We respectfully call on all politicians and media figures who are promoting this rumor to help make Springfield great and safe again by speaking the truth about our community."

Viles Dorsainvil, the leader of Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield, accepted Ruby's invitation to worship together at Central Christian, and was grateful to be relying on his faith. ...