FOX Original Report: After a bomb threat in Springfield, Ohio was found to be a “hoax” originating overseas, a group of Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the nation's law enforcement and intelligence chiefs on Friday requesting weekly updates on foreign election interference.
Ten House Republicans sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, FBI Director Chris Wray and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking which countries were behind 33 “hoax” bomb threats sent to Springfield and what steps have been taken to counter social media activity, cyber espionage and threats of physical harm by foreign powers.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday that local police responded to 33 false bomb threats against hospitals, schools and government offices in Springfield.
“33 threats, 33 pranks,” DeWine said at a news conference in Springfield. “Let me be clear: none of them were substantiated.”
Ex-Congressman Says Haitian Refugees 'Don't Understand the Law' Amid Deadly Accidents and Culture Clash
People watch as officers from the Springfield Police Department investigate Springfield City Hall after a bomb threat was made against the building on September 12, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)
The governor said many of the threats were coming from “certain countries,” but did not name them.
“Unfortunately, there are people overseas who are engaging in these actions,” DeWine said, “including some coming from certain countries.”
“The American people and Congress have a right to know which foreign adversaries are intentionally spreading disinformation to sow fear and confusion, and I stand ready to assist you in any way possible as we work to ensure the security and integrity of the 2024 elections,” Rep. Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas, wrote in the letter.
Springfield gained national attention after a social media post went viral alleging that Haitian immigrants were eating pets, a claim that later proved unverifiable. Former President Trump touted the unfounded allegation during a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10.
“In Springfield, dogs are being eaten. People who come in there are eating cats. They're eating the pets of people who live there,” he said.
Click here to read more US news
“These bomb threats have forced the closure and evacuation of city halls and schools, further straining police and social services already overburdened by the influx of Haitian migrants,” said the letter, signed by Republican Reps. Jim Jordan, Mike Carey and Gooden of Ohio.
Springfield's Republican leadership says it is overwhelmed by an influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian migrants. (Joseph A. Wolfson/Fox News Digital)
“The purpose of these hoaxes is clear: our foreign adversaries are trying to stoke the fires of division.”
But Republican leaders in this city of 60,000 say they are overwhelmed by an influx of 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian migrants, many of whom have come to the U.S. on temporary protected status that allows them to live and work in the country for limited periods of time.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost told Fox News Digital that the federal government hasn't properly coordinated resettlement with towns, “putting a strain on our schools, our health care system and our safety net.” He said at least 4,000 migrants are receiving government assistance.
Russia and Iran have been accused of meddling in the U.S. election, and earlier this month the Justice Department seized websites and indicted Russian media officials that it accused the Russian government of using to spread disinformation and stoking discord.
“They see this as another opportunity to disrupt our country, and they continue to do so,” Governor DeWine said of the foreign powers making the threats.
“We can't let the bad guys win. Our schools must stay open,” he added, noting that additional law enforcement will be deployed to Springfield amid the ongoing threats.
“The people who are engaging in this kind of behavior are doing it to sow discord in our communities,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Commissioner Andy Wilson. “We can't let them do that. We need to continue to provide the services the residents of Springfield and Clark County expect.”
Click here to get the FOX News app
Springfield Mayor Brian Heck said in a statement that the city has “no credible reports of specific allegations that pets have been harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Officials announced Monday that the town has canceled its annual event celebrating diversity, arts and culture after a rise in threats.
