House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) has become the latest target in the dangerous swatting trend. Responding to an allegedly dire situation, police swarmed the congressman's home Saturday night.
Emmer, who represents Minnesota's 6th Congressional District, was out with his family at the time. The act of swatting, making an intentionally false 911 call (oftentimes a shooting or hostage situation) is designed to draw a large police presence (such as a SWAT team) to the victim's address. The increasingly common criminal act has led to deaths, with law enforcement not knowing the call is a hoax.
“Sadly, this illegal and dangerous scheme is being used nationwide to target elected officials,” Emmer said, responding to the scare on X. “Thankfully, no one was home or injured. I condemn this illegal abuse of police resources. I want to thank the Wright County Sheriff's Office for their professionalism and support. I will have no additional comment on this matter.”
The U.S. Capitol Police have begun an investigation into a series of swatting incidents involving lawmakers, including Emmer.
The Hill continues:
Other recent victims include presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who said Saturday her home was targeted by a hoax call last month. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) are also among the victims.
None of the swatting incidents has resulted in any injury.
Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) unveiled a bill earlier this month aimed at increasing the penalties for swatting incidents. Scott was a swatting victim last month.
According to Scott, the bill will ensure that the cowardly pranks are met with serious consequences.
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