Christmas Day 'Swatting' Incidents Target Politicians

Politicians in many parts of the U.S. were hit by Christmas "swatting" pranks in which callers send emergency services rushing to the target's house.

The aim of the swatting calls is to disturb the target's life. In June, the FBI launched a national swatting database after a complaint by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called them "dangerous, disturbing and downright terrifying."

Here is a roundup of some of the swatting calls this Christmas:

Georgia

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, was swatted on Christmas Day for what, she said, was the eighth time.

Major Rodney Bailey, of the Rome Police Department in Georgia, said that someone in Rome in upstate New York called a suicide hotline just before 11 a.m. on Christmas Day, claiming that he had shot his girlfriend at Greene's address in Georgia and threatened to take his own life next.

The call was quickly transferred to police, who sent officers to Greene's home. The operation was canceled before they arrived after police phoned her home and she confirmed that there was nothing wrong at her home.

"I was just swatted," Greene wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday morning. "This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here."

"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!" Greene wrote.

Newsweek reached out to Greene via email on Wednesday.

People on social media called for accountability for the swatters.

"The cops know who's doing it and still allow it! Going to continue until someone is held accountable," X user Julie Jones wrote.

X user Bobbi Linn Mac wrote: "One day someone will be caught swatting and I pray that person or persons will be the example set for all that think swatting is a good idea."

In August 2022, Greene was targeted multiple times in one week. She recounted one of the incidents during an interview with the Right Side Broadcasting Network (RSBN) at the time.

"When I opened the door and greeted the officers and I said what's, what's going on? It was their demeanor and just their, like, body language. They were tactical. They had guns drawn. They were prepared for something serious," said Greene, a Republican and staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.

New York

Republican Representative Brandon Williams was also swatted on Christmas Day, prompting the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office to contact him.

"Our home was swatted this afternoon," Williams wrote on X on Christmas. "Thanks to the Deputies and Troopers who contacted me before arriving. They left with homemade cookies and spiced nuts! Merry Christmas everyone!"

"The deputies & troopers were polite, professional, & prompt," he added. "God bless them."

Rome, New York is in Williams' congressional district. It's possible that the same prank caller was responsible for the call to Greene.

Boston

On Christmas Day, the Boston Police Department said it received a report of a shooting at Mayor Michelle Wu's home.

Authorities determined that the report was a hoax, the Boston Herald reported.