Springfield, Ohio, Files Lawsuit Against Neo-Nazi Group Over Harassment Campaign
The city alleges that the Blood Tribe incited threats and violence against Haitian immigrants and their supporters, seeking legal action to halt further attacks.
- Springfield, Ohio, and local officials filed a federal lawsuit against the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, accusing it of orchestrating a campaign of harassment and threats targeting the Haitian community and its supporters.
- The lawsuit names Blood Tribe leaders Christopher Pohlhaus and Drake Berentz, along with unnamed members, and seeks a judicial order to prevent further threats and to impose punitive damages.
- The group allegedly issued bomb threats, sent hate mail, and publicized personal information of city officials and residents who defended Haitian immigrants, creating widespread fear and disruption in the community.
- Tensions escalated after the group appeared at a local festival in August, displaying swastika flags, making racist remarks, and allegedly pointing firearms at attendees, though the group denies these claims.
- The lawsuit follows a contentious period in 2024 when false conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants, amplified during the presidential campaign, brought national attention to the city.