The Trump-Vance transition team reported on Wednesday that several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointees were targeted with violent threats, including bomb threats and “swatting” attacks, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Karoline Leavitt, who will serve as Trump’s press secretary, condemned the attacks, stating that law enforcement had acted swiftly to protect those targeted. The FBI confirmed it was investigating multiple threats against incoming administration members and is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the incidents and condemned the political violence through a White House spokesperson, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to monitoring the situation. The spokesperson assured that federal, state, and local authorities were responding to the threats.
None of the individuals targeted were under Secret Service protection, according to a federal law enforcement source.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe noted that such threats are unfortunately common for high-profile figures, but authorities are compelled to respond in case one of them is genuine.
“Swatting” refers to the practice of falsely reporting a serious crime to provoke a police response at a specific location. The trend has affected individuals from across the political spectrum, including those involved in politically charged cases like Special Counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan.
Several prominent figures targeted included Rep. Elise Stefanik, who was informed of a bomb threat to her home while traveling with her family.
Lee Zeldin, Trump’s nominee for EPA head, also reported a pipe bomb threat, and Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for Agriculture Secretary, shared that her family had received a similar threat.
Other appointees, including Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Scott Turner, and John Ratcliffe, also reported receiving bomb threats or similar acts of intimidation.
