‘They’re just not true’: Springfield officials furious as Trump’s migrant pet-eating lie causes bomb threats and school closures

Officials in Springfield, Ohio, have pushed back on a racist rumor amplified by the Trump campaign that Haitian residents are eating people’s pets, as the baseless claims have prompted bomb threats against city buildings and terrified local residents.

“Unfortunately right now, we have to focus on making sure this rhetoric is dispelled, that these rumors are just, they’re just not true. Springfield is a beautiful place, and your pets are safe in Springfield,” Springfield mayor Rob Rue told CNN.

Springfield’s police and city manager, as well as the Ohio governor, have all affirmed that claims of Haitians eating pets are without evidence.

Still, despite the wave of condemnation from Ohio officials, the rumor has taken on a life of its own in Springfield, where a bomb threat on Thursday forced the evacuation of city hall and two schools.

Local officials said the threat explicitly “used hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in our community.”

“Springfield is a community that needs help,” Mayor Rue told The Washington Post, instead of leaders that “hurt a community like, unfortunately, we have seen over the last couple of days.”

The FBI is investigating the bomb threat.

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby warned earlier this week the conspiracy could cause violence.

“This kind of language, this kind of disinformation, is, is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, and they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt,” he said, adding, “It needs to stop.”

The Trump campaign denied any links to the threats.

“To this day, if anyone dares to suggest that unhinged rhetoric from Democrats like