President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks,” according to his transition team. The FBI is investigating the incidents, which ranged from bomb threats to initiating emergency law enforcement responses against the targets under false pretenses.
Some of those targeted included Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for the ambassador to the United Nations, Matt Gaetz, the initial pick for attorney general, and Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Law enforcement officials are also looking into whether other incoming administration officials were victims of these threats.
The threats come in the wake of a political campaign marked by violence, including an assassination attempt at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania and an Iranian murder-for-hire plot against Trump. Additionally, a man was arrested for threatening to kill Trump in a social media post with a rifle.
Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes in recent years. This dangerous trend has prompted strong condemnation from President Biden and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The U.S. Capitol Police stated that they work closely with local and federal law enforcement partners when a member of Congress is the victim of a “swatting” incident and are taking steps to minimize the risk of copycats. The FBI is urging the public to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.
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