Bomb Threats Target Haitian Community in Ohio

Schools and county offices in Springfield received emailed threats referencing pipe bombs and Haitians

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Schools and county offices in Ohio's Clark County received multiple bomb threats targeting the Haitian community on Monday, prompting classes in Springfield to be canceled for the day, according to Gov. Mike DeWine. The emailed threats referenced pipe bombs and directed Haitians to "get out" of the area. Police responded and no suspicious devices were found, but the threats caused disruption and concern in the community.

Why it matters

These threats come amid ongoing tensions and rhetoric targeting the Haitian immigrant community in the U.S., including efforts by the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians. The incident highlights the vulnerability of minority communities to hate-fueled threats and the need for vigilance against such acts.

The details

According to officials, the emailed threats were directed at schools and public facilities in Springfield, Ohio. County offices began receiving threats referencing pipe bombs around 7:45 a.m. on Monday. Police responded and no suspicious devices were found, but the threats prompted the Springfield City School District to close all buildings for the day "out of an abundance of caution." Gov. DeWine called the threats "despicable" and said they "caused kids to miss a whole day of school."

  • The threats were received on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who addressed the bomb 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 police 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, had previously made false claims about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets, contributing to tensions 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 (go.com)

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

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

What’s next

The FBI is investigating the bomb threats, and officials have said they will do whatever is necessary to keep schools open and protect the community.

The takeaway

These threats targeting the Haitian community in Ohio highlight the ongoing vulnerability of minority groups to hate-fueled rhetoric and actions, and underscore the need for vigilance and a strong response from authorities to address such incidents and protect public safety.