A top Haitian official condemned recent false claims about immigrants eating pets in Ohio at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.
During the September 10 presidential debate, former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, repeated a claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were "eating the pets." Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, has also spread the false rumor. Moderator David Muir fact-checked Trump during the debate, and Springfield authorities have repeatedly denied such claims.
These false claims have threatened the safety of not only Springfield's Haitian community but the entire city. Bomb threats were made in Springfield following the false claims, leading to the closures of schools and municipal buildings.
On Thursday, Edgard Leblanc Fils, the president of Haiti's transitional council, addressed his country's concern about the repercussions of these false claims.
"I would like to extend a brotherly greeting to all friends of Haiti that have shown solidarity towards the migrants from our country—and in particular, those living in Springfield, Ohio," he said.
Fils said that the history of U.S.-Haiti relations "enables us to say with confidence that the American people reject any incitement to hate against our community."
"The passions that naturally arise during an election campaign should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country such as the United States, a country forged by immigrants from all...
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