Vance fires back at criticism over Haitian pet-eating online conspiracy theory

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) defended himself Tuesday against criticism over his amplification of false claims that Haitian immigrants had abducted and eaten other people’s pets in Springfield, Ohio. 

Vance wrote in a post on the social platform X that his office has received “many inquiries” in the past few weeks from residents of Springfield who said Haitian migrants abducted their neighbors’ pets or local wildlife. 

“It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false,” he said. 

Claims of Haitian migrants eating pets spread online over the weekend, with conservative-leaning national figures including Charlie Kirk and Elon Musk posting about them. A local Springfield resident first made the claim at a City Commission meeting in late August, alleging Haitian immigrants were killing ducks in the park for food, among other allegations. 

But the Springfield Police Department has said it has not received any reports of anyone stealing or eating pets. 

On Monday, Vance posted a video of himself reading a letter during a meeting of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in July. The letter from Springfield city manager Bryan Heck described the city’s difficulties with keeping up with housing for an increasing number of Haitian immigrants. 

But Vance added in his post a reference to the pet-eating claim. 

Heck told The Hill on Monday that false allegations like this one are distractions from the real issues facing the community. 

“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Heck said. 

“Yes this clearly takes away from the letter’s point that we are struggling with housing, resources for our schools, and an overwhelmed healthcare system,” he said. 

Vance, in his post Tuesday, pointed to other issues with the implication of being tied to a rising immigrant population. 

“Do you know what’s confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here. That local health services have been overwhelmed. That communicable diseases–like TB and HIV–have been on the rise. That local schools have struggled to keep up with newcomers who don’t know English. That rents have risen so fast that many Springfield families can’t afford to put a roof over their head,” he said. 

Vance’s mention of the child who was killed refers to a school bus accident that happened last year when a driver of another vehicle who is a Haitian immigrant crashed into the bus.

He also linked to an interview that Vice President Harris gave a few years earlier discussing the Biden administration granting temporary protected status to more than 100,000 Haitian migrants. 

“If you’re a reporter, or an activist, who didn’t give a s‑‑‑ about these suffering Americans until yesterday, I have some advice: Spare your outrage for your fellow citizens suffering under Kamala Harris’s policies. Be outraged at yourself for letting this happen,” Vance said. 

The White House pushed back against the false claims of the pet-eating as “misinformation” and “dangerous.” 

“This kind of misinformation is dangerous. Because there will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is. And they might act on that kind of misinformation and act on it in a way where somebody can get hurt so it needs to stop,” national security communications adviser John Kirby said Tuesday.

Kirby said elected officials in the GOP “pushing yet another conspiracy theory” based on lies and racism is “deeply concerning.” 

“I think what we need to have is — instead of complete BS being pushed out there — is a more meaningful discussion about how we can develop legal pathways for people who have come into this country and fair opportunities for then, if they come in legally,” he said. 

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) rebuffed Vance’s post, writing in a post of his own that the pet-eating story is false. 

“You and your gerbil can come out from under your couch, JD. The pet-eating story isn’t real,” he said.