A pastor in Springfield, Ohio, has raised concerns about the impact of unverified claims made by former President Donald Trump and his running mate regarding Haitian immigrants in the city. Carl Ruby, the pastor of Central Christian Church, expressed that the community is facing significant stress and chaos as a result of these false allegations.
Ruby emphasized that the city of Springfield has been experiencing a surge in bomb threats since the presidential debate, where Trump reiterated baseless accusations. More than 30 bomb threats have been reported in the city, leading to evacuations at various locations, including Walmart and other establishments.
Despite the escalating situation, Ruby extended prayers for Trump's safety while urging him to retract his misleading statements and denounce any hate groups targeting the city. However, he expressed skepticism about the likelihood of such a response from the former president.
The pastor highlighted that tensions between residents and the immigrant community had previously eased following a tragic incident involving a local 11-year-old boy. However, the inflammatory rhetoric from the debate reignited hostilities and created a state of turmoil in the city.
Local authorities have been investigating the bomb threats, but specific details have not been disclosed to the public. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the community members, prompting calls for unity and understanding amidst the challenging circumstances.