Ohio Troopers Deployed to Springfield: Response to School Bomb Threats

Deployment details

• State trooper presence: 36 Ohio troopers were deployed to provide security at 17 school buildings in Springfield, starting Tuesday, February 27, 2024
• Daily security protocol: Ohio Highway Patrol troopers sweep all Springfield schools before classes start and remain on campus throughout the day and after dismissal
• Duration of deployment: Governor Mike DeWine stated the Springfield Ohio state trooper deployment will continue "as long as it is necessary"
• Additional support: The FBI is assisting local law enforcement in investigating the threats that led to Ohio troopers being deployed to Springfield

Reasons for deployment

• Bomb threats: 33 bomb threats were made against Springfield schools since late February 2024, prompting the Ohio Highway Patrol Springfield schools response
• Foreign origin: The vast majority of threats leading to Ohio troopers deployed to Springfield are coming from overseas, according to Ohio officials
• False claims: The threats are linked to baseless allegations about Haitian immigrants stealing and eating local pets, made during the second presidential debate
• Political context: The sudden influx of Haitian immigrants to Springfield has strained local services and become a major political issue

Impact on schools and community

• School closures: Two colleges and two elementary schools in Springfield were forced to close due to threats, necessitating the Springfield Ohio state trooper deployment
• Evacuations: Students were evacuated to alternate locations based on information from city police
• Reduced attendance: Over 200 students were absent from one elementary school (population 500) on February 27, 2024, due to ongoing fear
• Community fear: The threats have caused a high level of fear in the community for nearly a week, leading to Ohio troopers being deployed to Springfield

Response from officials

• Governor's action: Governor Mike DeWine ordered the deployment of the Ohio Highway Patrol to monitor Springfield schools
• Mayor's statement: Springfield Mayor Rob Rue called on national leaders to "temper their words and speak truth" regarding the situation that led to Ohio troopers deployed to Springfield
• Vice President's comment: Vice President Kamala Harris expressed sympathy for Springfield, calling the inflammatory rhetoric "exhausting, harmful, hateful"

FAQ

Why were Ohio troopers deployed to Springfield?

Ohio troopers were deployed to Springfield in response to 33 bomb threats received by local schools since late February 2024. The threats were mostly originating from overseas and linked to false claims about Haitian immigrants.

How many Ohio troopers were deployed to Springfield schools?

36 Ohio troopers were deployed to provide security at 17 school buildings in Springfield, starting Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

What is the daily security protocol for the Ohio Highway Patrol at Springfield schools?

Ohio Highway Patrol troopers sweep all Springfield schools before classes start and remain on campus throughout the day and after dismissal.

How long will the Springfield Ohio state trooper deployment last?

Governor Mike DeWine stated that the Springfield Ohio state trooper deployment will continue "as long as it is necessary."

What impact has the Ohio Highway Patrol Springfield schools deployment had on the community?

The deployment has addressed community fears and school disruptions caused by the threats. However, some schools experienced closures, evacuations, and reduced attendance due to ongoing concerns.