Springfield Mayor Rob Rue is claiming temporary emergency powers amid a wave of threats against Haitian immigrants in the Ohio town.
In a proclamation released on Thursday, Rue cited the continued threat of violence stemming from racist rhetoric repeated by presidential candidate Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance. The order suspended typical purchasing and contracting procedures to “enable departments to respond more efficiently to emerging risks, including civil unrest, cyber threats, and potential acts of violence.”
The Republican mayor has been vocal in rejecting GOP smears claiming that recent Haitian migrants in Springfield were eating local pets. Trump has promised a visit to the town beset by bomb threats in recent days, though Rue told reporters earlier this week that a visit from Trump could strain the city even further…