Ohio Schools, Offices Receive Bomb Threats Targeting Haitian Community

Governor DeWine condemns 'despicable' threats that prompted school closures in Springfield

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Multiple schools and county offices in Ohio's Clark County received bomb threats on Monday targeting the Haitian community, prompting the closure of all Springfield City School District buildings for the day. Governor Mike DeWine called the threats 'despicable' and said there is no credible threat to the public at this time, though the FBI is investigating the incidents.

Why it matters

The threats against the Haitian community in Ohio come amid ongoing political tensions and legal battles over immigration policies, including the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians. This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of immigrant communities to discrimination and hate-fueled threats.

The details

According to officials, the emailed bomb threats were directed at schools and public facilities in Springfield, Ohio, with the 'whole essence of the threats' being that 'the Haitians should be out, get rid of the Haitians.' Duffel bags were found outside the Clark County Municipal Court and Public Safety Building, but no suspicious devices were discovered. The FBI is investigating the threats, which were also reported in other parts of the state with 'similar rhetoric.'

  • The threats were received 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 condemned the 'despicable' threats targeting the Haitian community.

Rob Rue

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

Allison Elliott

The Chief of the Springfield Police Division, who said there are 'no substantiated threats to the community.'

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who, along with running mate JD Vance, made false claims about Haitian immigrants in 2024 that contributed to previous bomb threats in the region.

JD Vance

The former running mate of Donald Trump, who made false claims about Haitian immigrants in 2024 that contributed to previous bomb threats in the region.

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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

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

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio

“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

What’s next

The FBI is investigating the bomb threats, and the governor said the state will 'do whatever we need to do to keep the schools open' going forward.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of immigrant communities to discrimination and hate-fueled threats, even as authorities work to address the situation and ensure public safety. It underscores the need for vigilance and a commitment to fostering inclusive, welcoming communities.