Swatting of American politicians (2023–2024): Difference between revisions

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On December 26 in Ohio, the following were swatted: attorney general [[Dave Yost]], state representative Kevin Miller, state senator [[Andrew Brenner]], and former state representative [[Rick Carfagna]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gallion |first1=Bailey |title=Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, state lawmakers victims of 'swatting' pranks |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/12/27/ohio-ag-yost-state-rep-kevin-miller-both-victims-of-swatting/72037578007/ |date=27 December 2023 |access-date=December 30, 2023 |work=[[The Columbus Dispatch]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230024911/https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/12/27/ohio-ag-yost-state-rep-kevin-miller-both-victims-of-swatting/72037578007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Florida senator [[Rick Scott]] was swatted on December 27.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Somasundaram |first1=Praveena |date=December 28, 2023 |title=Rick Scott is latest politician to report swatting at his Fla. home |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/12/28/rick-scott-naples-home-swatted/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref name="since christmas">{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-swatting-criminal-harassment-hoax-thats-hit-3-gop-lawmakers-since-christmas |work=[[Fox News]] |title=What is 'swatting,' the 'criminal harassment' hoax that's hit 3 GOP lawmakers since Christmas? |first1=Houston |last1=Keene |date=December 29, 2023 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133522/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-swatting-criminal-harassment-hoax-thats-hit-3-gop-lawmakers-since-christmas |url-status=live }}</ref>
On December 26 in Ohio, the following were swatted: attorney general [[Dave Yost]], state representative Kevin Miller, state senator [[Andrew Brenner]], and former state representative [[Rick Carfagna]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gallion |first1=Bailey |title=Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, state lawmakers victims of 'swatting' pranks |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/12/27/ohio-ag-yost-state-rep-kevin-miller-both-victims-of-swatting/72037578007/ |date=27 December 2023 |access-date=December 30, 2023 |work=[[The Columbus Dispatch]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230024911/https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/12/27/ohio-ag-yost-state-rep-kevin-miller-both-victims-of-swatting/72037578007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Florida senator [[Rick Scott]] was swatted on December 27.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Somasundaram |first1=Praveena |date=December 28, 2023 |title=Rick Scott is latest politician to report swatting at his Fla. home |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/12/28/rick-scott-naples-home-swatted/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref name="since christmas">{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-swatting-criminal-harassment-hoax-thats-hit-3-gop-lawmakers-since-christmas |work=[[Fox News]] |title=What is 'swatting,' the 'criminal harassment' hoax that's hit 3 GOP lawmakers since Christmas? |first1=Houston |last1=Keene |date=December 29, 2023 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133522/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-swatting-criminal-harassment-hoax-thats-hit-3-gop-lawmakers-since-christmas |url-status=live }}</ref>


On December 29, the following were swatted: Maine Secretary of State [[Shenna Bellows]] (the day after she removed Trump from the state's ballots due to his involvement in the [[January 6 United States Capitol attack]]);<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Mark |last1=Thiessen |date=December 31, 2023 |title=Maine's secretary of state targeted in swatting call after removing Trump from ballot |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maines-secretary-of-state-targeted-in-swatting-call-after-removing-trump-from-ballot |access-date=January 9, 2024 |work=[[PBS NewsHour]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109095743/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maines-secretary-of-state-targeted-in-swatting-call-after-removing-trump-from-ballot |url-status=live }}</ref> [[George Washington University]] law professor [[Jonathan Turley]], who defended former President [[Donald Trump]] during his two impeachment trials, at his [[Fairfax, Virginia]], home;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4382323-turley-reportedly-latest-target-of-swatting-spree/ |title=Turley reportedly latest target of swatting spree |newspaper=The Hill |date=December 29, 2023 |last1=Suter |first1=Tara |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133522/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4382323-turley-reportedly-latest-target-of-swatting-spree/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/30/swatting-hits-law-professor-jonathan-turley/ |title=Swatting hits law professor Jonathan Turley |date=December 30, 2023 |access-date=17 January 2024 |first1=Kerry |last1=Picket |work=[[The Washington Times]] |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133522/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/30/swatting-hits-law-professor-jonathan-turley/ |url-status=live }}</ref> John Paul Mac Isaac, the computer repairman during the [[Hunter Biden]]'s laptop controversy, at his Wilmington, Delaware, home.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Arias |first1=Pilar |date=December 31, 2023 |title=Hunter Biden laptop repairman John Paul Mac Isaac's home 'swatted' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/hunter-biden-laptop-repairman-john-paul-mac-isaacs-home-swatted |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231174740/https://www.foxnews.com/us/hunter-biden-laptop-repairman-john-paul-mac-isaacs-home-swatted |url-status=live }}</ref>
On December 29, the following were swatted: Maine Secretary of State [[Shenna Bellows]] (the day after she removed Trump from the state's ballots due to his involvement in the [[January 6 United States Capitol attack]]);<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Mark |last1=Thiessen |date=December 31, 2023 |title=Maine's secretary of state targeted in swatting call after removing Trump from ballot |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maines-secretary-of-state-targeted-in-swatting-call-after-removing-trump-from-ballot |access-date=January 9, 2024 |work=[[PBS NewsHour]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109095743/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maines-secretary-of-state-targeted-in-swatting-call-after-removing-trump-from-ballot |url-status=live }}</ref> [[George Washington University]] law professor [[Jonathan Turley]], who defended former President [[Donald Trump]] during his two impeachment trials,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4382323-turley-reportedly-latest-target-of-swatting-spree/ |title=Turley reportedly latest target of swatting spree |newspaper=The Hill |date=December 29, 2023 |last1=Suter |first1=Tara |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133522/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4382323-turley-reportedly-latest-target-of-swatting-spree/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/30/swatting-hits-law-professor-jonathan-turley/ |title=Swatting hits law professor Jonathan Turley |date=December 30, 2023 |access-date=17 January 2024 |first1=Kerry |last1=Picket |work=[[The Washington Times]] |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117133522/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/30/swatting-hits-law-professor-jonathan-turley/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and John Paul Mac Isaac, the computer repairman during the [[Hunter Biden]]'s laptop controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Arias |first1=Pilar |date=December 31, 2023 |title=Hunter Biden laptop repairman John Paul Mac Isaac's home 'swatted' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/hunter-biden-laptop-repairman-john-paul-mac-isaacs-home-swatted |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231174740/https://www.foxnews.com/us/hunter-biden-laptop-repairman-john-paul-mac-isaacs-home-swatted |url-status=live }}</ref>


On December 30, the following were swatted: California Lieutenant Governor [[Eleni Kounalakis]],<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cadelago |first1=Christopher |date=January 4, 2024 |title=California lieutenant governor 'swatted' after push to boot Trump from ballot |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/04/california-lieutenant-governor-swatted-after-push-to-boot-trump-from-ballot-00133952 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105000015/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/04/california-lieutenant-governor-swatted-after-push-to-boot-trump-from-ballot-00133952 |url-status=live }}</ref> and political philanthropist [[George Soros]] at his Southampton, New York home.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last1=Wehner |first1=Greg |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Soros' Southampton, NY, estate latest to fall victim to fake 911 'swatting' call |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/soros-southampton-ny-estate-latest-fall-victim-fake-swatting-call |access-date=January 2, 2024 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102011711/https://www.foxnews.com/us/soros-southampton-ny-estate-latest-fall-victim-fake-swatting-call |url-status=live }}</ref>
On December 30, the following were swatted: California Lieutenant Governor [[Eleni Kounalakis]],<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cadelago |first1=Christopher |date=January 4, 2024 |title=California lieutenant governor 'swatted' after push to boot Trump from ballot |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/04/california-lieutenant-governor-swatted-after-push-to-boot-trump-from-ballot-00133952 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105000015/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/04/california-lieutenant-governor-swatted-after-push-to-boot-trump-from-ballot-00133952 |url-status=live }}</ref> and political philanthropist [[George Soros]] at his Southampton, New York home.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last1=Wehner |first1=Greg |date=January 1, 2024 |title=Soros' Southampton, NY, estate latest to fall victim to fake 911 'swatting' call |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/soros-southampton-ny-estate-latest-fall-victim-fake-swatting-call |access-date=January 2, 2024 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102011711/https://www.foxnews.com/us/soros-southampton-ny-estate-latest-fall-victim-fake-swatting-call |url-status=live }}</ref>
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On December 30, [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] presidential candidate and former [[List of ambassadors of the United States to the United Nations|United States Ambassador to the United Nations]] [[Nikki Haley]] was swatted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aratani |first=Lauren |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Nikki Haley was swatted in December, records review shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/27/nikki-haley-swatting-incident-december |access-date=2024-02-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216225429/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/27/nikki-haley-swatting-incident-december |url-status=live }}</ref> Haley was subsequently swatted again two days later, on January 1, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Salam |first1=Erum |title=Nikki Haley was swatted twice within days amid 'spike' in threats to officials |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/nikki-haley-swatted-republicans |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 February 2024 |date=January 29, 2024 |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216192227/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/nikki-haley-swatted-republicans |url-status=live }}</ref>
On December 30, [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] presidential candidate and former [[List of ambassadors of the United States to the United Nations|United States Ambassador to the United Nations]] [[Nikki Haley]] was swatted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aratani |first=Lauren |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Nikki Haley was swatted in December, records review shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/27/nikki-haley-swatting-incident-december |access-date=2024-02-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216225429/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/27/nikki-haley-swatting-incident-december |url-status=live }}</ref> Haley was subsequently swatted again two days later, on January 1, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Salam |first1=Erum |title=Nikki Haley was swatted twice within days amid 'spike' in threats to officials |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/nikki-haley-swatted-republicans |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 February 2024 |date=January 29, 2024 |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216192227/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/nikki-haley-swatted-republicans |url-status=live }}</ref>


On [[New Year's Day]] 2024, Texas attorney general [[Ken Paxton]] and his wife, majority leader of the Texas senate [[Angela Paxton]] were swatted when they were not at home.<ref name="WFAA-2024-01-03">{{Cite news |date=January 3, 2024 |first1=Krista |last1=Summerville |first2=Ryan |last2=Osborne |title=Texas AG Ken Paxton, wife Angela say their North Texas home was targeted in 'swatting' incident |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-targeted-swatting-mckinney-angela-paxton/287-5c78d01b-b214-468d-87e0-4202ea93a7a5 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[WFAA]]-TV |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225113243/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-targeted-swatting-mckinney-angela-paxton/287-5c78d01b-b214-468d-87e0-4202ea93a7a5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hartley |first1=James |date=January 3, 2024 |title=AG Ken Paxton says his McKinney home was targeted in 'swatting' 911 call on New Year's Day |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article283796038.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225113300/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article283796038.html |url-status=live }}</ref> They also allege their home address had been [[doxing|doxed]].<ref name="WFAA-2024-01-03"/>
On January 1, 2024 ([[New Year's Day]]), Texas attorney general [[Ken Paxton]] and his wife, majority leader of the Texas senate [[Angela Paxton]] were swatted when they were not at home.<ref name="WFAA-2024-01-03">{{Cite news |date=January 3, 2024 |first1=Krista |last1=Summerville |first2=Ryan |last2=Osborne |title=Texas AG Ken Paxton, wife Angela say their North Texas home was targeted in 'swatting' incident |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-targeted-swatting-mckinney-angela-paxton/287-5c78d01b-b214-468d-87e0-4202ea93a7a5 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[WFAA]]-TV |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225113243/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-targeted-swatting-mckinney-angela-paxton/287-5c78d01b-b214-468d-87e0-4202ea93a7a5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hartley |first1=James |date=January 3, 2024 |title=AG Ken Paxton says his McKinney home was targeted in 'swatting' 911 call on New Year's Day |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article283796038.html |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225113300/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article283796038.html |url-status=live }}</ref> They also allege their home address had been [[doxing|doxed]].<ref name="WFAA-2024-01-03"/>


On January 3, 2024, dozens of [[List of state and territorial capitols in the United States|state capitols]] received [[bomb threat]]s, leading to [[Emergency evacuation|evacuations]] of the [[Connecticut]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Hawaii]], [[Idaho]], [[Kentucky]], [[Michigan]], [[Mississippi]], and [[Montana]] government buildings.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Prater |first1=Nia |date=January 3, 2024 |title=State Capitols Around U.S. Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threats |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2024/01/state-capitols-around-u-s-evacuated-after-hoax-bomb-threats.html |access-date=January 3, 2024 |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |language=en |archive-date=January 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103180654/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2024/01/state-capitols-around-u-s-evacuated-after-hoax-bomb-threats.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On January 3, 2024, dozens of [[List of state and territorial capitols in the United States|state capitols]] received [[bomb threat]]s, leading to [[Emergency evacuation|evacuations]] of the [[Connecticut]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Hawaii]], [[Idaho]], [[Kentucky]], [[Michigan]], [[Mississippi]], and [[Montana]] government buildings.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Prater |first1=Nia |date=January 3, 2024 |title=State Capitols Around U.S. Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threats |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2024/01/state-capitols-around-u-s-evacuated-after-hoax-bomb-threats.html |access-date=January 3, 2024 |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |language=en |archive-date=January 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103180654/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2024/01/state-capitols-around-u-s-evacuated-after-hoax-bomb-threats.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Judges ===
=== Judges ===


On January 7, 2024, [[Tanya Chutkan]], the judge overseeing the [[Federal prosecution of Donald Trump (election obstruction case)|criminal case against Donald Trump for obstructing the 2020 election]], was swatted.<ref>{{Cite news |first2=Avery |last2=Lotz |first1=Holmes |last1=Lybrand |date=January 8, 2024 |title=Federal judge overseeing election case against Trump was victim of swatting incident |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/politics/judge-chutkan-trump-case-swatting/index.html |access-date=January 9, 2024 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109012715/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/politics/judge-chutkan-trump-case-swatting/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On January 7, 2024, [[Tanya Chutkan]], the judge overseeing the [[Federal prosecution of Donald Trump (election obstruction case)|criminal case against Donald Trump for obstructing the 2020 election]], was swatted.<ref>{{Cite news |first2=Avery |last2=Lotz |first1=Holmes |last1=Lybrand |date=January 8, 2024 |title=Federal judge overseeing election case against Trump was victim of swatting incident |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/politics/judge-chutkan-trump-case-swatting/index.html |access-date=January 9, 2024 |work=CNN |language=en |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109012715/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/politics/judge-chutkan-trump-case-swatting/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


On January 11, 2024, [[Arthur Engoron]], the judge overseeing the [[New York civil investigation of The Trump Organization|New York civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization]], was swatted.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/nyregion/trump-judge-bomb-threat.html |title=Judge in Trump's Civil Fraud Trial is Swatted at His Home |work=The New York Times |date=January 11, 2024 |last1=Bromwich |first1=Jonah E. |access-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117014120/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/nyregion/trump-judge-bomb-threat.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, on Engoron had also been the target a white powder sent to his office on February 28th 2024.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/28/nyregion/judge-engoron-powder-trump.html | title=Suspicious Powder Sent to Offices of Trump Judge and Attorney General | work=The New York Times | date=February 28, 2024 | last1=Fahy | first1=Claire }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-engoron-security-powder-envelope-court-83a22cf1e33d9ad30ecff88bc0483440 | title=White powder sent to judge in Donald Trump's civil fraud case, adding to wave of security scares | website=[[Associated Press News]] | date=February 28, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/judge-trump-fraud-trial-white-powder-mail | title=Judge in Trump civil fraud trial was sent envelope with white powder | newspaper=The Guardian | date=February 28, 2024 | last1=Lakhani | first1=Nina }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/arthur-engoron-judge-trump-civil-fraud-case-received/story?id=107637877 | title=Arthur Engoron, judge in Trump civil fraud case, received envelope with powder, police respond to courthouse | website=[[ABC News]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-trial-judge-sent-powdery-substance-after-verdict-2024-2 | title=Trump trial judge staff opens an envelope with a powdery substance after $454 million verdict | website=[[Business Insider]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/white-powder-found-envelope-donald-32239032 | title=Trump fraud judge sent 'white powder' in envelope days after Donald Jr targeted | website=[[Daily Mirror]] | date=February 29, 2024 }}</ref>



On January 11, 2024, [[Arthur Engoron]], the judge overseeing the [[New York civil investigation of The Trump Organization|New York civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization]], was swatted.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/nyregion/trump-judge-bomb-threat.html |title=Judge in Trump's Civil Fraud Trial is Swatted at His Home |work=The New York Times |date=January 11, 2024 |last1=Bromwich |first1=Jonah E. |access-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117014120/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/nyregion/trump-judge-bomb-threat.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Engoron had also been the target a white powder sent to his office on February 28, 2024.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/28/nyregion/judge-engoron-powder-trump.html | title=Suspicious Powder Sent to Offices of Trump Judge and Attorney General | work=The New York Times | date=February 28, 2024 | last1=Fahy | first1=Claire }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-engoron-security-powder-envelope-court-83a22cf1e33d9ad30ecff88bc0483440 | title=White powder sent to judge in Donald Trump's civil fraud case, adding to wave of security scares | website=[[Associated Press News]] | date=February 28, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/28/judge-trump-fraud-trial-white-powder-mail | title=Judge in Trump civil fraud trial was sent envelope with white powder | newspaper=The Guardian | date=February 28, 2024 | last1=Lakhani | first1=Nina }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/arthur-engoron-judge-trump-civil-fraud-case-received/story?id=107637877 | title=Arthur Engoron, judge in Trump civil fraud case, received envelope with powder, police respond to courthouse | website=[[ABC News]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-trial-judge-sent-powdery-substance-after-verdict-2024-2 | title=Trump trial judge staff opens an envelope with a powdery substance after $454 million verdict | website=[[Business Insider]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/white-powder-found-envelope-donald-32239032 | title=Trump fraud judge sent 'white powder' in envelope days after Donald Jr targeted | website=[[Daily Mirror]] | date=February 29, 2024 }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 23:52, 16 June 2024

Swatting of American politicians
(2023–2024)
DateDecember 25, 2023 – January 11, 2024
(2 weeks and 3 days)
Location
GoalsUnknown, possibly to intimidate political figures
MethodsSwatting, doxing, bomb threats, and other forms of violent incidents
StatusEnded
  • Investigations ongoing

In December 2023, there was widespread swatting of prominent figures in American politics, as well as bomb scares and other violent threats made against government buildings.[1][2] The series of swattings extended into January 2024.[3] As of December 2023, the motivations, and whether they are the product of one or multiple individuals, are unknown.[4]

Background

Swatting is a criminal harassment tactic that involves false reporting in order to generate a police response to another person's address. Information in the hoaxes is often obtained through data broker websites, compromised accounts, and leaked databases to obtain, often through legal means, personally identifying information about the individual which can be used for swatting.[5]

Incidents

On December 25 (Christmas Day), 2023, the following were swatted: Tommy Tuberville, a Republican senator from Alabama;[6] Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative from Georgia;[7][8] Brandon Williams, a Republican representative from New York state;[9][8] Jack Smith, the independent special counsel overseeing the prosecution of Donald Trump in two federal cases;[10] and Michelle Wu, the Democratic mayor of Boston, Massachusetts.[11]

On December 26 in Ohio, the following were swatted: attorney general Dave Yost, state representative Kevin Miller, state senator Andrew Brenner, and former state representative Rick Carfagna.[12] Florida senator Rick Scott was swatted on December 27.[13][8]

On December 29, the following were swatted: Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (the day after she removed Trump from the state's ballots due to his involvement in the January 6 United States Capitol attack);[14] George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley, who defended former President Donald Trump during his two impeachment trials,[15][16] and John Paul Mac Isaac, the computer repairman during the Hunter Biden's laptop controversy.[17]

On December 30, the following were swatted: California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis,[18] and political philanthropist George Soros at his Southampton, New York home.[19]

On December 30, Republican presidential candidate and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was swatted.[20] Haley was subsequently swatted again two days later, on January 1, 2024.[21]

On January 1, 2024 (New Year's Day), Texas attorney general Ken Paxton and his wife, majority leader of the Texas senate Angela Paxton were swatted when they were not at home.[22][23] They also allege their home address had been doxed.[22]

On January 3, 2024, dozens of state capitols received bomb threats, leading to evacuations of the Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, and Montana government buildings.[24]

Judges

On January 7, 2024, Tanya Chutkan, the judge overseeing the criminal case against Donald Trump for obstructing the 2020 election, was swatted.[25]

On January 11, 2024, Arthur Engoron, the judge overseeing the New York civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization, was swatted.[26] Engoron had also been the target a white powder sent to his office on February 28, 2024.[27][28][29][30][31][32]

References

  1. ^ Paybarah, Azi (December 29, 2023). "Marjorie Taylor Greene isn't the only politician to be a swatting target". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  2. ^ Corbett, Jessica (December 31, 2023). "Threats Rise as Courts Decide Trump's 2024 Ballot in Maine, Colorado". Truthout. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  3. ^ Morris, Kyle (January 2, 2024). "Texas AG Ken Paxton, wife targeted by home 'swatting' on New Year's Day". Fox News. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  4. ^ Matza, Max (December 29, 2023). "US lawmakers targeted by swatting hoaxes in multiple states". BBC News. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  5. ^ Lee, Dave (January 4, 2024). "US Must Stop 'Swatting' From Becoming an Election Weapon". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  6. ^ Helene Hall, Mary (December 30, 2023). "Tommy Tuberville reportedly targeted in swatting call at Auburn home". AL.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Stanton, Andrew (December 28, 2023). "Republicans want to change the law to protect their families". Newsweek. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c Keene, Houston (December 29, 2023). "What is 'swatting,' the 'criminal harassment' hoax that's hit 3 GOP lawmakers since Christmas?". Fox News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  9. ^ O'Driscoll, Sean (December 27, 2023). "Christmas Day "swatting" incidents target politicians". Newsweek. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  10. ^ Kosnar, Michael; Richards, Zoë (January 9, 2024). "Special counsel Jack Smith was targeted by attempted swatting on Christmas Day". NBC News. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  11. ^ McColgan, Flint (December 26, 2023). "Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's home 'swatted' on Christmas Day". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  12. ^ Gallion, Bailey (December 27, 2023). "Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, state lawmakers victims of 'swatting' pranks". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  13. ^ Somasundaram, Praveena (December 28, 2023). "Rick Scott is latest politician to report swatting at his Fla. home". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  14. ^ Thiessen, Mark (December 31, 2023). "Maine's secretary of state targeted in swatting call after removing Trump from ballot". PBS NewsHour. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  15. ^ Suter, Tara (December 29, 2023). "Turley reportedly latest target of swatting spree". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  16. ^ Picket, Kerry (December 30, 2023). "Swatting hits law professor Jonathan Turley". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  17. ^ Arias, Pilar (December 31, 2023). "Hunter Biden laptop repairman John Paul Mac Isaac's home 'swatted'". Fox News. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  18. ^ Cadelago, Christopher (January 4, 2024). "California lieutenant governor 'swatted' after push to boot Trump from ballot". Politico. Archived from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  19. ^ Wehner, Greg (January 1, 2024). "Soros' Southampton, NY, estate latest to fall victim to fake 911 'swatting' call". Fox News. Archived from the original on January 2, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  20. ^ Aratani, Lauren (January 7, 2024). "Nikki Haley was swatted in December, records review shows". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  21. ^ Salam, Erum (January 29, 2024). "Nikki Haley was swatted twice within days amid 'spike' in threats to officials". The Guardian. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  22. ^ a b Summerville, Krista; Osborne, Ryan (January 3, 2024). "Texas AG Ken Paxton, wife Angela say their North Texas home was targeted in 'swatting' incident". WFAA-TV. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  23. ^ Hartley, James (January 3, 2024). "AG Ken Paxton says his McKinney home was targeted in 'swatting' 911 call on New Year's Day". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  24. ^ Prater, Nia (January 3, 2024). "State Capitols Around U.S. Evacuated After Hoax Bomb Threats". New York. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  25. ^ Lybrand, Holmes; Lotz, Avery (January 8, 2024). "Federal judge overseeing election case against Trump was victim of swatting incident". CNN. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  26. ^ Bromwich, Jonah E. (January 11, 2024). "Judge in Trump's Civil Fraud Trial is Swatted at His Home". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  27. ^ Fahy, Claire (February 28, 2024). "Suspicious Powder Sent to Offices of Trump Judge and Attorney General". The New York Times.
  28. ^ "White powder sent to judge in Donald Trump's civil fraud case, adding to wave of security scares". Associated Press News. February 28, 2024.
  29. ^ Lakhani, Nina (February 28, 2024). "Judge in Trump civil fraud trial was sent envelope with white powder". The Guardian.
  30. ^ "Arthur Engoron, judge in Trump civil fraud case, received envelope with powder, police respond to courthouse". ABC News.
  31. ^ "Trump trial judge staff opens an envelope with a powdery substance after $454 million verdict". Business Insider.
  32. ^ "Trump fraud judge sent 'white powder' in envelope days after Donald Jr targeted". Daily Mirror. February 29, 2024.