Story updated at 12:55 p.m.
Downtown Springfield is reopen and declared safe after police investigated a series of unfounded emailed bomb threats against Haitian residents.
Springfield City Schools dismissed students Monday morning and people had been asked earlier to avoid downtown due to "a report of a potential safety concern within the district."
While the threats were still under investigation, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said they were being addressed with the highest level of caution.
“Today, our community has faced a familiar situation that understandably caused concern. I want to be clear, there is no immediate or credible threat to the public at this time ... Springfield is a strong and resilient community and public safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to share information as appropriate. By staying calm, informed and united we will navigate this situation together.”
In September 2024, Springfield and the school district endured several days of threats and shutdowns. That followed false comments during the election from now President Trump and Vice President JD Vance about the Haitian community.
Monday's threats came after the Springfield Haitians community has been in the spotlight again, after legal status for many immigrants nearly expired on Feb. 3.
Temporary Protected Status for Haitians was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 3. But just before the expiration, a federal judge postponed the termination of TPS for Haitians while a lawsuit plays out.
The Trump administration has appealed.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said bomb threats referencing Haitian immigrants were sent to several Clark County offices this morning, and there were also "suspicious packages" found outside the municipal court and the public safety building in downtown Springfield.
"This is a despicable act that’s caused kids to miss a whole day of school today," DeWine said.
Editor Kaitlin Schroeder contributed to this report.
