Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance has defended his controversial claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating pets, stating he is willing to 'create stories' to draw media attention to the suffering of American citizens. In a CNN interview, Vance admitted that these claims stem from 'firsthand accounts' from constituents, despite local authorities asserting there is no evidence to support such accusations. His comments have sparked backlash, with critics labeling them as an attempt to divert attention from critical issues in the upcoming election. Springfield is currently facing a state of emergency due to bomb threats linked to the unrest caused by these rumors. Political figures, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have condemned Vance's remarks, emphasizing the potential harm they bring to the immigrant community. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration rhetoric in the 2024 presidential race.