SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A bomb threat in Springfield led to several buildings being evacuated and shut down on Thursday. Springfield police said the threat came via email to multiple buildings in the city.
The FBI is now helping with the investigation.
This comes after Springfield was put into the national spotlight this week after former President Donald Trump brought up the city in the presidential debate.
“We take all threats to public safety seriously and our primary concern was the safety and well-being of the community members,” said Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliot.
Those locations that received the threat include:
- Springfield City Hall
- Springfield Driver's Exam Station
- Ohio License Bureau southside
- Springfield Academy of Excellence
- Fulton Elementary School
Elliot said additional locations were investigated and cleared, including the Clark County Court facilities.
Several law enforcement agencies including Springfield police, Dayton FBI and K-9 units arrived to help with the investigation.
Since the threats were made, all locations have been given the all-clear.
The news of a bomb threat was a shock to the small community.
“I’m really shocked and our community is very peaceful. As far as city hall, the mayor has meetings every two weeks and lets the public speak,” said James Stewart, a lifelong Springfield resident.
Stewart said he believes the threat is in part due to the political rhetoric surrounding the city.
“Springfield is a nice, quiet community. Very first amendment type of community where people can get out and have freedom of speech,” he said.
Arthur Shatto went to city hall Thursday morning to pay his water bill. But he couldn’t because of the threat.
“I don’t understand why there is a bomb threat. What’s going on with this country? Bomb on our own city hall? None of this makes sense to me. There’s a lot of hate,” said Shatto, who is also a lifelong Springfield resident.
He said a lot of what has been said and going on around Springfield this week doesn’t make sense to him.
“This is a small community. We don’t have a lot of trouble. We do have our share, but no more than any other city,” said Shatto.
The police chief didn’t say whether or not the buildings will be open on Friday.
Law enforcement did not allow 10TV or any other media outlet to ask questions.