In a recent discussion on MSNBC's "Ana Cabrera Reports," analyst Maria Hinojosa dismissed the unverified claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and consuming local pets and geese.
Hinojosa argued that the state's open carry law would deter such actions, as pet owners would likely brandish their firearms to protect their beloved animals.
According to the Daily Caller, Hinojosa stated, "I also know Ohio, and Ohio is an open carry state in terms of guns. And you know how much people love their pets, there is no way that Ohio, where you have guns and people are gonna be allowing these people to walk away with their cats and dogs? You know somebodys gonna be taking out a gun and saying youre not taking my dog which is why its not happening, its not true. In Ohio, individuals over 21 are allowed to carry a concealed handgun without a license or permit unless they are legally barred from possessing a firearm.
Hinojosa further suggested that these rumors were racially motivated and predicted that the Trump campaign would exploit them. During a recent debate and a rally in Arizona, Republican nominee Donald Trump claimed that illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield were consuming dogs and cats. Ohio Senator and Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance also mentioned receiving several reports alleging pet abductions by migrants in Springfield, though he conceded these could be unfounded.
The rumors originated in August when Springfield resident Anthony Harris claimed at a local commission meeting that Haitian migrants were decapitating and eating ducks in local parks. A social media post in a Springfield Facebook group further fueled the rumors, alleging that a deceased cat was found being prepared for a meal near a Haitian neighbor's home. Harris expressed his concern, stating, I do not know what they have going on over there, but they cannot do that over here. I do not want to seem like I am coming down on the immigrants, because it is the people that are bringing them down here They are in the park, grabbing up ducks by their neck and cutting their head off and walking off and eating them.
Adding to the controversy, police bodycam footage showed 27-year-old Alexis Telia Ferrell consuming a cat in front of her neighbors in Canton, Ohio. This incident, which led to Ferrell's arrest on August 16, further ignited rumors about migrants in the state eating pets. Fox 12 reported that Ferrell was arrested for eating the animal "in a residential area in front of multiple people."
In the wake of these rumors, Springfield authorities evacuated City Hall on Thursday morning and two elementary schools on Friday due to bomb threats. While Springfield residents have not reported witnessing pets being eaten, they told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the significant influx of migrants has led to a housing crisis and a spike in crime. The situation in Springfield, Ohio, underscores the complex challenges communities face when dealing with an influx of migrants, and the importance of separating fact from fiction in such circumstances.
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