The tranquil town of Springfield, Ohio, has been disrupted by Donald Trump‘s baseless allegations about Haitian immigrants consuming pets. The claim was made during last week’s presidential debate, causing turmoil in the community.

What Happened: Springfield, a town situated between Dayton and Columbus, has turned into a hub of tension and misinformation following Trump’s comments, reports Business Insider.

The Springfield, OH Community Facebook group, previously a platform for local dialogue, has now become a battlefield for intense debates and the dissemination of false information.

The situation took a turn for the worse when Trump mentioned Springfield in his debate with Kamala Harris. Even though fact-checkers and city officials refuted the claims, the damage had already been inflicted.

“In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people who came in, they are eating the cats. They’re eating — they’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said during the debate.

Concerns are rising among locals like Sara Bear, who fears that their town of approximately 60,000 inhabitants will now be known as a “cat-meme town full of hateful bigots,” reports Insider.

The tense environment has resulted in restaurants receiving hoax calls inquiring about cats on the menu and even a bomb threat targeted at Haitian immigrants, leading to a temporary shutdown of Springfield City Hall.

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Other residents, such as Jessica Eikleberry and Olivia Parkinson, are worried about the town’s reputation and safety being significantly jeopardized, with heightened racial tensions and fears for the safety of people of color. The town’s image is also impacting local businesses and potentially discouraging people from relocating to or remaining in Springfield.

Despite the prevailing situation, some residents like Marjory Wentworth are making efforts to support the Haitian community, who feel they are being exploited and vilified for political advantages. Haitian immigrant Marco Lapaix voiced his fear and annoyance but underscored the importance of fighting for acceptance.

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Why It Matters: The incident in Springfield, Ohio underscores the power of public figures’ words and their potential to incite division and unrest.

The unfounded claims have not only disrupted the peace of the town but also threatened the safety and harmony of its diverse community.

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible and accurate public discourse, especially from influential figures.

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This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.