Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, has staunchly defended unfounded claims that migrants in an Ohio town are allegedly consuming household pets. This has been repeatedly rejected by city officials, who emphasize the lack of evidence supporting such assertions.
The spread of these baseless allegations has resulted in multiple security threats. Recently, Wittenberg University in Springfield announced the cancellation of events due to a threat directed at its Haitian community.
During Sunday talk shows, Vance defended the misleading narratives, asserting that “the media totally ignored this stuff until Donald Trump and I started talking about cat memes.” He further claimed, “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Vance, who serves as a U.S. senator from Ohio, first introduced the pet-eating allegations last week, which Trump later amplified during his initial presidential debate against Kamala Harris. Springfield city officials have since made consistent efforts to dispel these rumors.
Mayor Rob Rue stated that the conspiracy theories, along with Trump’s vow to “mass deport” migrants in Springfield, are detrimental to the community. “People’s pets are safe in Springfield, Ohio,” Rue affirmed. He reached out to the Vance campaign, indicating that no evidence supports the claims and highlighting the need for public figures to recognize the potential harm of their words.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine condemned the rumors as “a piece of garbage that was simply not true” during an appearance on national television. The city of Springfield had to evacuate three schools and other municipal buildings last week due to threats, including one that disparaged the Haitian community.
Local police reported a concerning email alleging a shooting threat aimed at Haitian individuals, prompting heightened awareness among students and staff at Wittenberg University. Meanwhile, Springfield police received reports regarding individuals associated with far-right groups marching in the city, following the circulation of related videos online.
Vance distanced himself from the Proud Boys but shifted focus to criticize the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Trump has also reaffirmed these unfounded claims, asserting that immigration has “destroyed” the town, and has promised “large deportations” if he is re-elected.
Springfield, located in southwest Ohio, is home to approximately 60,000 residents and has experienced an influx of immigrants, primarily from Haiti, many of whom have legal status under a federal program.
