The threats sent to the town are believed to be linked to conspiracy theories surrounding the town's Haitian immigrant community, which many Republican politicians have amplified.
"We've received at least 33 separate bomb threats," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said, all of which have not come to pass.
According to AFP, some of the threats were confirmed to have originated from a foreign country, although the identity of this country was not disclosed.
Racist rumors, fueled by prominent Republican figures including presidential candidate Donald Trump, have baselessly alleged that Springfield's Haitian community is stealing and eating people's pets and driving up crime.
During a televised debate on September 10, Mr. Trump declared that “they are eating dogs,” sparking further threats of bomb attacks and violence, including the closure of two schools on September 16.
Many Haitians living in Springfield have expressed concerns for their safety. The city's mayor has also said he is facing death threats.
It was not immediately clear whether the 33 threats DeWine announced included threats of shootings and other acts of violence, as well as a bomb threat against the Ohio state capitol in Columbus.
Two Springfield schools were evacuated on September 16, according to local sources. However, authorities have not yet released details about the threats that led to the closures. ABC News in Columbus reported that the threat against the Ohio state capitol building contained insults related to Springfield’s Haitian community.
Mr. DeWine announced that he would deploy 36 patrol officers from the state traffic police force to ensure security for the city.
These officers will check schools every morning and remain on site throughout the day to ensure safety. The governor, though a Republican, has dismissed the rumors being spread by his own party.
During the press conference, Mr. DeWine did not provide further information about the number of local threats versus foreign threats. He only said: "We believe that this is an opportunity for foreign powers to disrupt the United States and they continue to do that."
The town of Springfield, a predominantly white town in the American Midwest, has seen significant population growth in recent years, largely due to an influx of immigrants from Haiti.
The town's economic growth has attracted workers from this community, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Haitians moving to the town, which had a population of just under 60,000 in 2020.
