JD Vance: Apologize for Spreading Racist Lie About Pet-Eating Immigrants

Target: JD Vance, Ohio Senator

Goal: Apologize for propagating unfounded rumor that has hurt and endangered local community as well as marginalized migrant population.

“In Springfield they’re eating dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating … the pets of the people that live there.” The aforementioned claim, made by former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, became one of the most talked-about moments of the presidential debate. The outrageous accusation originated from the telephone game-style evolution of a social media post concerning Springfield, Ohio. This post, which was about a missing pet, would evolve into a racist conspiracy theory that targeted Haitian immigrants in the community.

Despite the creator of the post disavowing it and the havoc it has caused – and despite Springfield city law enforcement and leadership debunking the claims – the fringe theory has now gained a national audience. And the consequences have been immediate. Public buildings within Springfield have reportedly been the target of bomb threats, individuals who have spoken out have apparently been the target of threats too, and community members have had to step up and defend legal immigrants they consider a vital and working part of the community.

The immigrants themselves have been placed at most risk. The conspiracy theory played on racist tropes that have historically gone as far as to claim Haitians were cannibals. And the targeted public attacks against a marginalized minority group are right out of the Nazi playbook.

Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, first put this hateful conspiracy into the spotlight by promoting a blatant lie on social media in the days leading up to the debate: “reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country.” Sign the petition below to demand this politician apologize for spreading an unfounded rumor that has endangered an entire community of his own constituents.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Senator Vance,

Bomb threats, death threats, and unrelenting harassment of both a grieving father and an entire town: these are the consequences of your malicious and intentional spread of an unsubstantiated and racist rumor. To place your own constituents at risk for political gain is unconscionable, and you should be ashamed. If you are truly concerned about the problems in Springfield, Ohio, why don’t you put yourself on the ground there, meet with local leaders and community members, and work for real solutions?

Until then, you owe the people of Springfield – and the people of America – an apology. Make a sincere attempt to unravel the damage you have done.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: House Judiciary GOP