Ohio Town Cancels CultureFest Amid Safety Concerns Linked To Conspiracy Theories About Haitian Immigrants

Ohio has reportedly canceled its yearly CultureFest, initially scheduled to be held on Sept. 27 to 28, due to "threats and safety concerns" sparked by conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants supposedly eating pets.

The official Facebook page of Springfield posted Monday that the cancellation of the CultureFest -- a celebration that focuses on diversity, arts and local culture -- was a "difficult decision."

"City officials, in consultation with local and state law enforcement, determined that canceling the event is the most responsible course of action to prevent any potential risks to attendees, staff, vendors and volunteers," it mentioned.

City Manager Bryan Heck said, "We deeply regret having to cancel CultureFest, as we know it is a beloved event for our community. However, the safety of our residents and visitors must come first."

The cancellation of the CultureFest came just one day after the news surfaced that Presidential candidate Donald Trump was planning to visit Springfield, Ohio, soon amid ongoing rumors that Haitian immigrants in the city are eating dogs and other pets.

These unproven claims have been circulating in right-wing circles online for weeks, but gained more attention following Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris' debate last week in Philadelphia.

Since the debate, the town of Springfield has been facing disruptions, with schools and government buildings receiving bomb threats.

Two elementary schools were evacuated last week due to threats, while a middle school was closed for the day. The FBI was investigating threats made against Wittenberg University, which included bomb and shooting threats.

The Springfield Police Division said last week that "there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."

The Department of Public Safety also issued a notice on Monday, highlighting a recent crime that took place on the John Herrick Bridge on Ohio State's Columbus campus.

A homeless individual, who was not affiliated with Ohio State, was reportedly hospitalized after being shot. In a statement given to the police, the victim said he was "shot by another unhoused individual with whom he has had previous altercations." The suspect's name was revealed to be Richard James Patridge.