Springfield's mayor asserts emergency authority to tackle "public safety issues" due to persistent threats hassling the urban area.
The announcement gives Mayor Rob Rue temporary crisis powers to acquire and deploy resources, tackling potential threats head-on.
According to the announcement, this move will enable authorities to act more swiftly to emerging perils, such as civic unrest, digital threats, and potentially harmful actions.
Former President Donald Trump's erroneous allegations about Haitian migrants allegedly stealing and consuming local pets have instilled fear in this Midwestern city. Local authorities reported over 30 cases of violent threats in the days following the second presidential debate.
Springfield police have yet to respond to CNN's request for further details regarding the threats.
A Walmart representative confirmed to CNN that two of their Springfield outlets were temporarily evacuated on a Wednesday, due to orders from local law enforcement. Furthermore, the Pregnancy Resource Center of Clark County, a local Kroger supermarket, and a Planned Parenthood facility also received threats on that same day, as reported by WHIO.
In response to these threats, several area colleges switched to remote learning this week, with students returning on Tuesday benefiting from additional safety measures, including state troopers, CCTV surveillance, and bomb detection dogs.
"We are handling these threats with the severity they deserve and taking immediate measures to secure both our community and our employees," Rue said in the announcement. "Ensuring the safety of Springfield's residents is our highest priority."
Carl Ruby, head pastor of Central Christian Church in Springfield, told CNN's Jim Acosta that the city has been in disarray ever since the debate. He said he spoke with local officials on Thursday, who informed him of additional threats in the works.
"I would like to express my prayers for President Trump's safety this morning – though I don't support his candidacy, I still pray for his well-being – and I only hope he might, out of benevolence, acknowledge his mistake and encourage those with harmful intentions to leave our city," Ruby said.
Ruby shared his support for President Biden's immigration and refugee policy, as it accentuates his Christian beliefs. However, he also believed that the administration could provide more assistance to cities like Springfield that have seen an influx of immigrants recently.
"I believe that one of the most significant ethical issues in the Bible is the call to care for immigrants, orphans, and widows. Therefore, I applaud this commitment. But their policy lacked funds, and we need – as I discussed with city leaders this morning – around $5-10 million at this very instance," Ruby said.
Rue later told CNN that it would be challenging for either candidate to visit the community.
Trump and his Vice Presidential choice, JD Vance, have shown no sign of withdrawing from their false accusations concerning Springfield. During a campaign rally Wednesday night, Trump vowed to visit the city "within the next two weeks" and criticized Rue for failing to remove migrants.
According to the city of Springfield's website, an estimated 12,000–15,000 immigrants, hailing from various countries, reside in the city and its surrounding Clark County. The city also refuted claims that Haitian immigrants are illegal immigrants.
"Haitian immigrants are legally present in the United States under the Immigration Parole Program," the city stated, referencing a program launched by the Biden administration in 2023 to create more legitimate pathways into the U.S.
To qualify for the program, participants undergo vetting and need to secure a sponsor in the country. As of this week, more than 210,000 Haitians have been granted parole into the U.S. through this program, according to data released by US Customs and Border Protection.
CNN’s Catherine Shoichet, Dana Bash, and Chris Boyette contributed to this report.
Given the current situation in Springfield, it's crucial for us to stand united and support local authorities in maintaining peace and order. The threats against various institutions in the city have led to increased security measures, affecting both educational institutions and local businesses.
