Sep 16, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Springfield, Ohio cancels annual culture celebration amid safety concerns

Ivana Saric

Springfield Police Department officers investigate the Springfield City Hall after bomb threats were made against buildings earlier in the day in Springfield, Ohio on September 12 — Springfield Police Department officers investigate the Springfield City Hall following bomb threats on Sept. 12. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

The Ohio town at the center of a Republican-driven conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants eating pets was forced to cancel its annual celebration of culture and diversity on Monday amid "threats and safety concerns."

Why it matters: This is just the latest example of the real-life consequences of the baseless anti-immigrant claims, which have disrupted life in Springfield as schools and government buildings have been hit with bomb threats.

The latest: The City of Springfield announced in a Monday Facebook post that it had decided to cancel the annual CultureFest to "prevent any potential risks to attendees, staff, vendors and volunteers."

The event — a celebration of Springfield's arts, diversity and local culture — was set to take place on Sept. 27 and 28.
"We deeply regret having to cancel CultureFest, as we know it is a beloved event for our community," City Manager Bryan Heck said in the announcement. "However, the safety of our residents and visitors must come first."

The big picture: In the days after the debate, Springfield City Hall and other facilities in the town were hit with bomb threats.

Two elementary schools were evacuated Friday amid threats, while a third middle school was closed for the day.
The FBI is investigating threats sent to Wittenberg University following bomb and shooting threats.

Catch up quick: Rumors that Haitian migrants in Springfield were eating cats and dogs had gained traction online among right-wing influencers but were amplified by former President Trump during the presidential debate last Tuesday.

Trump's running-mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) had also peddled the conspiracy theory, both before and after the debate.
Local officials have underscored that there are no credible reports of migrants eating pets.

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Springfield, Ohio cancels annual culture celebration amid safety concerns

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