Bomb threat closes Clark State College, shifts to virtual classes
Classes move online after bomb threat at Clark State College
Officials closed Clark State College in Springfield, Ohio, this week after a bomb threat was received on Sunday. Classes will be held virtually. The college received an email threatening a bomb attack on Sunday, following an emailed threat on Saturday about a potential shooting.
Immediate action was taken with the Springfield Police Department to ensure campus safety, according to a statement from the college. For precautionary reasons, all campuses will be closed, and instruction will be virtual from 16-20 September. The college emphasised its commitment to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community.
Officials acknowledged the anxiety caused by such incidents and stated that Springfield Police would increase their security presence on campus. Additional counselling services are being provided in collaboration with wellness partners.
Due to recent events in Springfield, Clark State will operate virtually on all campuses from Sept. 16-20. All activities will be rescheduled.
For more information, please visit: https://t.co/MRPXay6fBG pic.twitter.com/m45rRsulVO
— Clark State College (@clarkstate) September 15, 2024
On Saturday, bomb threats targeted three medical facilities, an unspecified fourth facility, and Wittenberg University, a small liberal arts college in Springfield. Wittenberg University cancelled all activities on Sunday due to a threat aimed at Haitian community members, as reported in an alert on Saturday.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed collaboration with Springfield Police and Wittenberg University to assess the credibility of the threats and take appropriate actions. The public was urged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
In response to the threats, local police swept the targeted colleges and medical facilities, clearing them. Some have since reopened, as per a police official. Authorities listed Springfield Regional Medical Center, Ohio Valley Surgical Hospital, and Kettering Health Springfield among the targets.
BREAKING
Clark State College in Springfield, Ohio has announced they’re going virtual this week due to threats. pic.twitter.com/l7IGyWA7f2
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) September 15, 2024
The Springfield Police Division increased its staffing to manage threats stemming from unfounded claims about the Haitian migrant community. Two elementary schools were evacuated, and a middle school was closed on Friday due to a threat sent via email. Students were released to their parents.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue could not confirm if the same person sent Friday’s threat and the other threats. On Thursday morning, bomb threats were emailed to multiple agencies and media outlets in the city. Explosive-detecting K-9s assisted police in clearing the facilities listed in the threat, including two elementary schools, City Hall, and driver’s license bureaus. County court facilities were also cleared for safety.
The FBI is aiding local police in identifying the source of the threat. Mayor Rue expressed concern about the fear these threats have instilled in Springfield. Rue believes the threats are linked to baseless rumours circulated online, claiming Haitian migrants were abducting pets in Springfield to eat them. These rumours were spread by right-wing politicians, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance.
At a recent presidential debate, Trump falsely claimed, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… they’re eating the pets of the people that live there.” A city spokesperson refuted these claims, stating there have been no credible reports of pets being harmed by immigrants, nor any verified instances of illegal activities or traffic disruptions by the immigrant community.
The mayor reassured residents that their pets are safe in Springfield. The city estimates a migrant population of 12,000 to 15,000, drawn by low living costs and job opportunities. The increase in population has strained local resources, but officials confirmed that many migrants hold Temporary Protected Status. The Haitian Bridge Alliance condemned the false claims against Haitian migrants, arguing they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmatise Black immigrants from Haiti.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine dispelled the rumours and pledged more resources to Springfield. Mayor Rue urged national figures to consider the impact of their words on communities like Springfield, stating that their statements can cause harm rather than help. This report was contributed to by Bill Hutchinson.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC7 reports bomb threats in multiple Springfield, Ohio, buildings, linked to baseless rumors about Haitian migrants, prompting evacuations and a major police response. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Clark State College close its campus?
Due to a bomb threat received via email.
Are classes at Clark State College canceled entirely?
No, classes will be held virtually.
What additional security measures are being taken at Clark State College?
Springfield Police will increase their security presence on campus.
Were any other institutions targeted by threats?
Yes, Wittenberg University and three medical facilities were also targeted.
What prompted the threats in Springfield?
Baseless rumors about Haitian migrants spread online.
