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The Truth Behind That Columbus Goose Photo That’s Fueling Right-Wing Misinformation

A photo of a man holding a dead goose has been circulating online, fueling a wave of misinformation about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

The image, originally taken in Columbus, has been weaponized by several prominent right-wing figures, including GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance, Senator Ted Cruz, and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk, as so-called evidence that Haitian immigrants are responsible for killing and eating pets and wildlife in Springfield.

The lies were even repeated last night by former President Trump during the presidential debate.

However, both city officials and the photographer behind the photo have stepped forward to set the record straight.

The City of Springfield issued a statement denying any credible reports of such incidents, and the local police echoed this, confirming they had received no reports of pets being stolen or eaten. The City’s statement followed after multiple accounts on X began circulating the photo, citing it as evidence of widespread harm to local animals by the Haitian immigrant community. The allegations have contributed to a growing narrative pushed by right-wing figures, despite the lack of any factual basis.

The man who took the viral photo has come forward, clarifying that it was captured in Columbus, not Springfield, and that the individual holding the goose was not Haitian.

He explained that he took the picture on July 28 because it was an unusual sight—nothing more. “I was driving down Cleveland Avenue and saw a guy carrying a dead goose. It was odd, so I snapped a photo,” he told NBC4, requesting to remain anonymous for safety reasons. “I didn’t expect it to blow up like this, and I certainly didn’t intend for it to be used against any group of people.”

The photo was originally shared on Reddit, where it gained traction on the Columbus subreddit before it was picked up by X accounts. From there, the misinformation machine spun into motion. The photographer expressed regret, saying, “I hate that the picture I took is being used to spread lies. It was just something weird I saw, not a political statement.”

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Prominent figures like Vance have continued to reference the image in online discussions, linking it to broader accusations about immigrants in Springfield.

Vance went so far as to claim that local residents had reported missing pets, although the city and local law enforcement confirmed that no such reports have been made. Vance also tied the migrant population to increased pressure on local health systems and even referenced a school bus crash in 2023, implying that Springfield is struggling under the weight of its immigrant population.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue responded to these claims, noting that the city’s Haitian immigrant population, which is here legally under temporary protected status, has faced a barrage of harmful and false rumors. “We’re letting these rumors and this national rhetoric come into our community and divide us,” Rue said at a recent press conference. He emphasized that no evidence supports the allegations and urged residents to seek the truth rather than getting swept up in fearmongering.

The incident highlights how misinformation can quickly spiral out of control, especially when amplified by public figures with large followings. What began as a curious snapshot in Columbus has now become a symbol of the dangerous impact of online rumors and disinformation campaigns. For the photographer, what was intended as an innocent post has turned into a nightmare as his image has been twisted into a tool of division and deceit.

If you’d like to learn more about the legal Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, the city of Springfield has an FAQ site dedicated to answering questions, which you can view at springfieldohio.gov/immigration-faqs.

Featured image Credit: J.D. Vance speaking with attendees at the 2021 Southwest Regional Conference hosted by Turning Point USA at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic. View License.