After elected officials were targeted for what is known as “swatting” this week, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has revealed a plan to introduce legislation that would make fighting such incidents easier.
“Swatting” is a name for fake calls to law enforcement reporting fake emergencies. On Christmas Day Monday, Greene’s home was targeted for one of these calls as someone reportedly called the Rome Police Department’s suicide hotline to say he had shot his girlfriend at Greene’s address amd would kill himself.
However, when the department called Greene’s security team, the team dispelled the caller’s claims and got officials to cancel a police response.
Just days after that incident, on Thursday, she said a similar thing happened to one of her family members.
“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,” she wrote on X.
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.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 28, 2023
Announcing Monday’s swatting incident on X, Greene said that that incident would be the eighth time she would get “swatted.”
“I was just swatted. 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!” she wrote.
I was just swatted.
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!
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 25, 2023
After her, Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY) also announced that his home was also swatted on Christmas Day.
“Our home was swatted this afternoon. Thanks to the Deputies and Troopers who contacted me before arriving, They left with homemade cookies and spiced nuts! Merry Christmas everyone!” he announced on X.
Our home was swatted this afternoon. Thanks to the Deputies and Troopers who contacted me before arriving.
They left with homemade cookies and spiced nuts! Merry Christmas everyone! pic.twitter.com/uQ2xkzLVJ6
— Rep. Brandon Williams (@RepWilliams) December 25, 2023
Other elected officials have been victims of swatting this week, including Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Boston Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, whose home was also targetted for a swatting call on Christmas Day.
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.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 28, 2023