Bomb Threats Close Schools, Government Buildings in Ohio

Hoax threats reference Haitian immigrants, but no explosives found

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A series of bomb threats, which turned out to be hoaxes, caused government buildings and dozens of schools in Ohio to close on Monday. The threats referenced the state's Haitian immigrant population, but officials said there was no immediate danger to the public. Law enforcement is investigating the origin of the messages.

Why it matters

The bomb threats highlight ongoing tensions around immigration in Ohio, particularly targeting the state's Haitian population. The incident comes as the Trump administration is seeking to end Temporary Protection Status for Haitian immigrants, raising concerns about potential backlash or scapegoating of vulnerable communities.

The details

Officials in Columbus and Springfield confirmed that schools in both cities were closed for the day, as was the Ohio Statehouse and Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, after a series of bomb threats were delivered to them. Law enforcement determined the threats were hoaxes and no explosive devices were found. Some of the threats made reference to more than 10,000 Haitian immigrants in the state.

  • The threats started being received around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Springfield experienced a series of similar bomb threats in the days following President Trump and Vice President Vance's 2024 campaign rhetoric about Haitian immigrants.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio, who called the threats "despicable" and said some referenced the state's Haitian immigrant population.

Rob Rue

The Mayor of Springfield, who said there was no immediate threat to the public after the bomb threats.

Donald Trump

The former President who, along with Vice President JD Vance, embraced viral rumors about Haitian immigrants during the 2024 campaign.

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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 (New York Times)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The FBI and local law enforcement are investigating the origin of the hoax bomb threats.

The takeaway

The bomb threats underscore the divisive political climate around immigration in Ohio, with vulnerable immigrant communities potentially facing backlash and scapegoating. The incident highlights the need for leaders to condemn hateful rhetoric and work to build understanding across communities.