Springfield mayor Rob Rue takes emergency control of city amid pet-eating claims by Trump and JD Vance

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO: Springfield, Ohio, mayor Rob Rue has issued an emergency proclamation on Thursday, September 19, to address public safety concerns following false claims made by former president Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance.

The emergency proclamation will allow the city to quickly respond to emergencies, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and potential acts of violence. It will remain in effect until officials believe the public safety risks have been resolved.

It comes after claims allege that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating residents' pets, causing a wave of panic and safety threats in the city.

Rob Rue addresses public safety concerns after bomb threats

The decision to grant emergency powers came after the city reportedly received over 30 bomb threats targeting schools, hospitals, and city buildings.

The threats, according to reports, were in response to the false accusations ofHaitian imigrants are stealing and eating residents made by Trump and Vance.

The Republican mayor stressed the importance of protecting the people of Springfield amid these threats.

"Ensuring the safety of Springfield’s residents is our top priority," Rue said in a statement, according to Spectrum News.

He added that the city is "addressing these threats with the seriousness they warrant" and taking "immediate steps to ensure the security of both our community and our employees." 

“Our commitment to preventing harm is unwavering,” his office said in the release.

Ohio governor Mike DeWine supports Springfield’s efforts to tackle threats 

Ohio governor Mike DeWine also stepped in to assist Springfield, announcing that state Highway Patrol officers would be sent to monitor schools following the bomb threats.

“Many of these threats are coming in from overseas, made by those who want to fuel the current discord surrounding Springfield. We cannot let the bad guys win,” DeWine said on Monday, September 16.

Mayor Rue expressed his confidence in the city's strength during these challenging times, stating, "I have no doubt that Springfield will stand together in the face of these challenges."

"I encourage everyone to look out for one another with care and compassion as we work to keep our community safe and strong," Rue added.

Donald Trump plans visit Springfield despite local concerns

Donald Trump, whose comments fueled the false rumors and threats, announced plans to visit Springfield in the next two weeks.

"I’m going to go there in the next two weeks, I’m going to Springfield and I’m going to Aurora. You may never see me again, but that’s OK. I gotta do what I gotta do,” Trump said at a rally in Uniondale, New York.

Mayor Rue, however, indicated that he would prefer if Trump did not visit the city, stating, "It would be an extreme strain on our resources. So it’d be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit. It would be very difficult.” 

Trump's statements also extended beyond Ohio, as he falsely claimed that Aurora, Colorado, was being taken over by Venezuelans.

"You look at Aurora in Colorado," Trump said during a September 10 debate, “They are taking over the towns. They’re taking over buildings. They’re going in violently,” Trump added. Meanwhile unverified claims are being made that Rue is a Democratic Donor.