Next weekend, CultureFest was expected to bring music, art and fun activities to Springfield, Ohio, in celebration the town’s diversity. Following a wave of anti-immigrant rumors, the fest has been canceled.
“In light of recent threats and safety concerns, the City of Springfield has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s CultureFest celebration,” said a Monday Facebook post from the city. “The decision was made with the utmost consideration for the safety and well-being of our community and event participants.”
During a presidential debate last Tuesday with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, the GOP candidate, repeated a rumor circulating online about immigrants in Springfield eating pets. Previously, the rumor regarding Haitian immigrants was also shared by his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and internet personality Laura Loomer , among others.
“In Springfield, they are eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats,” Trump said during the debate.