The recent break for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene was disrupted by a swatter targeting one of her family members at their house, leading the Republican to seek legal changes to safeguard her family in the future.
False Emergency Calls
“Swatting” is the act of falsely alerting police to a non-existent emergency (such as an active shooter or hostage situation) at someone’s address, aiming to cause an unnecessary and potentially harmful response.
Swatting: A Political Weapon?
The practice of swatting has extended to Greene, a Georgia Republican, among other political figures. Greene’s home became the scene of a swatting incident during Christmas, as detailed in a recent post on X.
An Anti-Swatting Proposal
As she claims to have been targeted for the eighth time, Greene is now planning to propose legislation to improve law enforcement’s response to swatting incidents. No specific details about the bill’s actions were shared.
Family Member Targeted
Greene wrote on Wednesday evening: “The dangerous swatting harassment continues, as tonight, one of my family members was swatted at their house. I will be introducing legislation to make it much easier for law enforcement to arrest and prosecutors to prosecute these criminals.”
Suicide Hotline Swatting Case
A swatting incident involving Greene herself occurred when a man in NY contacted the Georgia suicide hotline around 11 a.m. Monday, alleging he had shot his girlfriend at Greene’s house and planned to commit suicide next.
Celebrating Despite Disturbance
“I was just swatted,” Greene wrote on X earlier this week. “My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn’t have to deal with this. I appreciate them so much and my family and I are in joyous spirits celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!”
State vs. Federal Swatting Laws
The federal government considers swatting a serious offense that can result in one or more federal charges. While many states have their own anti-swatting laws, the federal government is what often takes precedence
New Year Swatting Surge
The arrival of the new year seems to coincide with an increase in swatting incidents targeting politicians, marked by pranks that involve sending emergency services to their residences.
Florida Senator Under Attack
A separate incident involving another Republican prompted a push toward stronger anti-swatting laws in America. Florida Senator Rick Scott posted on X about a swatting incident targeting his family on Wednesday evening.
Dinner Disrupted by “Cowards”
“Last night, while at dinner with my wife, cowards ‘swatted’ my home in Naples. These criminals wasted the time & resources of our law enforcement in a sick attempt to terrorize my family. Ann & I want to thank @NaplesPolice & @CollierSheriff for all they do to keep us safe,” Scott shared.
Republican Targeted on Christmas
Adding to the string of swatting incidents among party members, Republican Representative Brandon Williams also became a target on Christmas Day, resulting in an intervention by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.
Grateful Response
“Our home was swatted this afternoon,” Williams shared on X. “Thanks to the Deputies and Troopers who contacted me before arriving. They left with homemade cookies and spiced nuts! Merry Christmas, everyone!”
He went on: “The deputies & troopers were polite, professional, & prompt. God bless them.”
Federal and State Crime
In a Thursday interview with Newsweek, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani asserted that swatting is both a federal crime and a criminal offense in several states. Despite the criminalization of swatting in many states, Congress could still allocate additional funds for local law enforcement agencies to track swatters.
Harsher Penalties for Swatting?
There’s also a chance for heightened federal penalties against swatting, even though existing laws already prescribe sentences ranging from five years to life for these offenses, according to Rahmani.
“Swatting Epidemic” Haunts Republicans
With the new year bringing a series of swatting attacks on Republican political figures, the future remains uncertain for the party and their families amidst what former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark has described as the “epidemic of swatting.”
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