Bomb Threats Target Haitian Community in Ohio

Schools and county offices in Clark County received multiple hoax threats, prompting class cancellations

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that schools and county offices in Clark County, Ohio received multiple bomb threats on Monday targeting the local Haitian community. The threats prompted the Springfield City School District to cancel classes for the day, though officials said there was no credible threat to the public. The FBI is investigating the threats, which DeWine called a "despicable act" that caused students to miss a day of school.

Why it matters

These threats come amid ongoing tensions around immigration policies, with the Trump administration fighting in court to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Similar threats have rattled the Springfield community in the past, highlighting concerns about hate-fueled rhetoric and its real-world impacts on vulnerable communities.

The details

According to officials, the emailed threats were directed at schools and public facilities in Clark County, referencing pipe bombs. Police responded and no suspicious devices were found. The threats also referenced Haitians, with the "whole essence" being that "Haitians should be out, get rid of the Haitians," DeWine said. Duffel bags were found outside the Clark County Municipal Court and Public Safety Building, but were determined to be non-threatening.

  • The threats were received around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • In September 2024, several bomb threats rattled Springfield after then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance made false claims about Haitian immigrants.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio, who delivered remarks about the threats targeting the Haitian community.

Rob Rue

The Mayor of Springfield, Ohio, who said the community "has faced a familiar situation that understandably caused concern."

Allison Elliott

The Springfield Police Division Chief, who stated there are "no substantiated threats to the community."

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration is fighting in court to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians.

JD Vance

The former presidential candidate who made false claims about Haitian immigrants with Trump in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These are threats that also referenced Haitians. The whole essence of the threats were the Haitians should be out, get rid of the Haitians.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (ktlo.com)

“This is a despicable act. It's caused kids to miss a whole day of school today.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (ktlo.com)

“I want to be clear, there is no immediate or credible threat to the public at this time. These matters are being taken seriously and addressed with the highest level of caution and professionalism.”

— Rob Rue, Mayor of Springfield, Ohio (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The FBI is investigating the threats, and officials say they will do whatever is necessary to keep the schools open.

The takeaway

These threats targeting the Haitian community in Ohio highlight ongoing tensions around immigration policies and the real-world impacts of hate-fueled rhetoric. They underscore the need for vigilance, community support, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of such incidents.