Springfield Clinics Hit with Bomb Threat as City Endures String of Incidents

SPRINGFIELD, OH — Authorities in Springfield, Ohio, are investigating a bomb threat made against two local reproductive health facilities after an email was sent to Cleveland 13 News just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The email claimed that bombs had been planted at Planned Parenthood’s office at 1061 N. Bechtle Ave. and the Pregnancy Resource Clinic of Clark County at 1010 S. Limestone St. Local law enforcement responded immediately, launching an investigation and securing the areas surrounding both locations.

The email, which read, “We placed a bomb in Planned Parenthood’s offices at 1061 N. Bechtle Ave, Springfield and at the Pregnancy Resource Clinic of Clark County 1010 S. Limestone St, Springfield. They will detonate soon,” prompted Cleveland 13 to notify local authorities without delay. While Cleveland 13 shared the names and email address of the individual who sent the threat with the police, our network decided not to publish the names. “Many cowards who make threats do so in hopes of gaining attention or notoriety, and we refuse to provide them that platform,” Analese Hartford of Cleveland 13 said in a public statement on our network's Facebook page. “Although we considered not writing about this incident, we believe it is essential to inform the public that a threat was made and that it is being handled by law enforcement.”

The Springfield Police Department is currently investigating the threat, and though it doesn't appear as though any explosives have been found yet, authorities are treating the situation with the utmost seriousness. As of now, it remains unclear whether any evacuations have been ordered or if roads near the facilities have been closed.

This bomb threat comes amid a recent surge of threats in Springfield, which has been under increased scrutiny following controversial remarks made by former President Donald Trump during a recent presidential debate. In the debate, Trump made Springfield the focus of national attention when he claimed Haitian immigrants living in the area were "eating the pets of the people who live there" The comments, which were widely debunked, sparked outrage and fear across the community. Since that day, Springfield has seen a troubling increase in threats and hoaxes, including multiple bomb threats and hoax active shooter situations at local schools.

In August, Springfield schools received several false reports of active shooter situations, prompting lockdowns and a major police response. In July, several government buildings in neighboring towns were also evacuated following a series of emailed bomb threats. While no direct connection between Trump’s comments and the surge in threats has been established, many locals have expressed concern that inflammatory rhetoric has contributed to a rise in tension and fear within the community.

Planned Parenthood, a frequent target of threats and protests across the nation, has seen an increase in threats following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. The Pregnancy Resource Clinic of Clark County, which is typically associated with anti-abortion services, was also included in the recent bomb threat, illustrating how unpredictable these attacks can be. The rise in threats against both organizations highlight the climate of fear that has developed in Springfield, where institutions ranging from schools to clinics are being targeted.

Cleveland 13 emphasized that while it is important to report on these threats, the station will not contribute to glorifying individuals who seek to incite fear. "We are committed to public safety, not to giving attention to those who seek to terrorize communities," the network noted.

The investigation is ongoing, and Springfield Police are asking anyone with information regarding the bomb threats to come forward. Additional updates will be provided as more details emerge.