The dogs and cats of Springfield, Ohio, appear to be perfectly safe, but many of its people are finding their lives upended this week by political rumormongering that has resulted in multiple bomb threats, school closures and a decision to dispatch the F.B.I.
Ever since former President Donald J. Trump claimed on national television that undocumented migrants were stealing and devouring the household pets of Springfield — “they’re eating the dogs,” he practically shouted, “they’re eating the cats” — the rhythms and routines in the city have not been the same.
Never mind that city authorities have refuted the story and that many residents called it ridiculous. The furor created by Mr. Trump during Tuesday night’s presidential debate has put Springfield in the cross-hairs of the nation’s political wars. For the past two days, bomb threats have proliferated, closing City Hall, schools and a motor vehicles office. F.B.I. agents have descended on the community to guard against danger not to animals but to humans.
The unexpected and unwanted attention generated by Mr. Trump’s false stories led to real-life confusion and anxiety for some residents. Schools have been evacuated, children sheltered at home and parents forced to make other plans during the workday. Gethro Jean, a Haitian pastor, said that he had been fielding questions from congregants who were concerned about attending church on Sunday.
“Our town was pinpointed in the debate,” said Cydney Mills, 41, who kept her three children out of school on Friday after the latest round of bomb threats. “After that, people are just showing their true colors and exhibiting hate.”
Jude Earlywine, 14, was in English class at Springfield High School on Friday morning when he heard that hundreds of young children were filing into the gymnasium after bomb threats had forced the evacuation of their elementary schools.
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