Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and appointees faced bomb threats and "swatting" attacks Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to
the Trump transition team.
“These individuals were targeted with violent, un-American threats to their lives and the safety of their families. The attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting,” said Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, in a statement.
What Is Swatting?
Swatting involves making a hoax emergency call to police, falsely reporting a critical situation to provoke a heavy law enforcement response, often involving SWAT teams. Such incidents can escalate dangerously and even lead to fatalities.
Despite the alarming nature of the threats, three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the situation told NBC News that the threats were not credible. No explosive devices or physical threats were discovered. Some of the threats reportedly originated from social media. Importantly, the incidents did not involve individuals under U.S. Secret Service protection, such as Trump or Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.
The FBI acknowledged the incidents in a statement: “We are aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity immediately.”
Officials Respond to the Threats
While the Trump transition team did not specify how many individuals were targeted, the statement noted that law enforcement acted swiftly to ensure safety. “President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their rapid response,” the statement read.
Among those targeted were:
- Rep. Elise Stefanik, nominee for U.N. ambassador, whose residence was the subject of a bomb threat. Stefanik’s office reported that she, her husband, and their young son were informed of the threat while driving home from Washington, D.C. Law enforcement responded promptly, ensuring their safety.
- Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, who stated that a “pipe bomb threat” targeting his family included a pro-Palestinian message. Zeldin confirmed his family was safe and not at home during the incident.
- Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for the Department of Agriculture, who tweeted about a threat against her home. Thanks to swift action by Fort Worth police, she and her family remained unharmed.
-Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, previously under consideration for attorney general, also confirmed being targeted. Law enforcement, including a bomb squad, searched his Florida home and found no devices.
Stefanik, Zeldin, and Gaetz Speak Out
Stefanik expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their professionalism. Zeldin stated his family’s safety remains his priority as the investigation continues. Gaetz, who was not home during the incident but had a family member present, emphasized that such threats would not deter him or his colleagues.
Refusing to Be Intimidated
Leavitt declared that the threats would not hinder the transition team’s work. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” she said.
Broader Pattern of Threats
The use of swatting and other intimidation tactics has been observed in cases involving Trump adversaries, including judges presiding over his trials and prosecutors in New York and Georgia who brought charges against him. These incidents highlight a troubling trend of politically motivated threats targeting public figures.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the threats, urging vigilance while ensuring the safety of those involved. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.
