Overview:

Many Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are feeling physically unsafe as racist falsehoods spread online and offline. Meanwhile, the parents of a child killed last year by a Haitian immigrant said politicians like Trump should stop using their son for political gain.

This story is part of the Haitians in America series looking at Haitians and Haitian Americans across the United States. Financial support for this work is provided by the Ford Foundation.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story that will be updated as news breaks. As of Thursday afternoon, authorities evacuated downtown Springfield to investigate a bomb threat. This story now refers to people interviewed by their initials due to rising safety concerns.

The morning after former President Donald Trump repeated racist claims about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, some Haitian families are keeping their children home from school for their safety, according to an area activist. Those who allowed their children did so, but with heavy hearts.

“She [my niece] was scared, but I told her to go, that God would protect,” said one Haitian resident, who asked that she not be identified publicly for fear of reprisal.

“We’re all victims this morning,” said the woman, who moved to Springfield six years ago. “They’re attacking us in every way.”

Aside from the anxiety caused by Tuesday night’s debate, the woman also said her cars have been vandalized twice in the middle of the night. She woke up one morning to broken...

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