The racist campaign based on false information portraying Haitian nationals residing in Springfield, Ohio, as people who eat wild and domestic animals took a new turn following former U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks during Tuesday's debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

"A bomb threat led to a major police response in Springfield, Ohio, on Thursday, September 12, 2024, according to the city commission's office. The threat was emailed to 'several agencies and media," the office reported, as reported by ABC. Explosive detection dogs, the American media revealed, helped the police evacuate several facilities mentioned in the threat, including two elementary schools, the city hall, and some driver's license offices, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott told the press. The county courthouse was also evacuated "as a precaution," she added. Although it is not yet known if there is a connection, the threat comes after unfounded rumors spread online following viral social media posts claiming that Haitian migrants were abducting people’s pets in Springfield to eat them. These rumors were amplified by right-wing politicians, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance.