Vance Spreads Debunked Anti-Haitian Immigrant Hoax in Springfield, Ohio

| Importance: 8/10 | Status: confirmed

VP nominee J.D. Vance amplified a baseless conspiracy theory claiming Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were ‘abducting and eating’ pets. Despite being informed by city manager Bryan Heck that the claims were unfounded, Vance continued to spread misinformation, leading to community disruption including bomb threats at city hall, schools, and local hospitals. The original claim by Anna Kilgore was based on unsubstantiated Facebook and TikTok rumors, which she later retracted after her cat returned home.

Key Actors

J.D. Vance Haitian immigrants Springfield Police Bryan Heck Anna Kilgore

Tags

anti-immigrant disinformation racism conspiracy-theory political-manipulation

Sources (3)

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