Ohio city of Springfield cancels cultural festival after furore over Haitians

An Ohio city at the centre of a political furore over Haitian migrants cancelled its annual celebration of cultural diversity on Monday in response to days of violent threats that have closed schools and government offices.

Springfield’s two-day CultureFest, which highlights diversity, arts and culture, had been scheduled to begin on September 27 but was cancelled “in light of recent threats and safety concerns”, city officials announced.

“We deeply regret having to cancel CultureFest, as we know it is a beloved event for our community,” city manager Bryan Heck said in a statement. “However, the safety of our residents and visitors must come first.”

Springfield has been the focus of intense attention in recent days after former US president Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and the Republican presidential campaign have amplified debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating domestic pets and waterfowl.

Ohio governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has denounced the false rumours, saying there is no evidence of it. Mr DeWine was holding a news conference in Springfield later on Monday.

President Joe Biden, appearing in Philadelphia at the National HBCU Week Conference on Monday, addressed the situation in Springfield, condemning what he called the “lies and hate”.

“It’s wrong. It’s simply wrong. And it must stop,” he said.

Two colleges in Springfield held classes virtually on Monday. Wittenberg University said it received two threats over the weekend, “both of which were targeted toward members of the Haitian community”. Clark State College said it would operate virtually through to Friday “due to recent events in Springfield”.

Springfield City Hall, several schools, and state motor vehicle offices in Springfield were forced to evacuate last week after receiving bomb threats.

Thousands of Haitian immigrants have settled in recent years in the predominantly white, blue-collar city of about 60,000 people, about 45 miles (70km) from the state capital of Columbus, where they have found work in factories and warehouses that had been struggling to fill job openings.

The sudden influx was said to have strained schools, healthcare facilities and city services and driven up the cost of housing.