The origin of the baseless claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating pets has been traced to a widely discredited local rumor. Initially spread by Erika Lee, 35, in a local Facebook group, the story described a cat allegedly found hanging from a tree outside a home occupied by Haitian immigrants, supposedly prepared to be butchered and eaten. The tale was passed on through multiple sources, each admitting they had no direct connection to the original event.
Ohio Senator JD Vance picked up the story and used it to promote an anti-immigration narrative, blaming Haitian immigrants for chaos in the community. Despite the story being swiftly debunked by local police, who found no credible evidence, Vance later acknowledged that the rumors might be false.
Nevertheless, Donald Trump echoed the claims during a presidential debate, broadcasted to millions, insisting that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating pets. The falsehood continued to circulate on social media, where other prominent Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz, shared posts exaggerating the baseless narrative.
Springfield authorities confirmed that no reports of stolen or eaten pets have been substantiated, debunking the xenophobic rumors that fueled the controversy. Despite this, Trump reiterated the claims at a rally, doubling down on the misleading narrative.
