According to a statement from Trump’s transition team on November 27, prominent cabinet nominees and appointees of President-elect Donald Trump had been subjected to bomb threats and swatting attacks. The FBI has launched an investigation into the alarming incidents.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, condemned the threats as “violent, unAmerican acts” aimed at Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees. “These attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting. Law enforcement and authorities acted swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, and President Trump, along with the entire transition team, is grateful for their prompt response,” Leavitt stated.
Swatting means calling in a dangerous incident to law enforcement that warrants a strong police response. The targets of such threats were the nominees Matt Gaetz, Trump’s first choice to be attorney general; former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, picked to become the head of the Environmental Protection Agency; Representative Elise Stefanik, tapped as the next ambassador to the United Nations; and Oregon Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, positioned to become chief of the Department of Labor.
The situation triggered an assurance from White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma that President Joe Biden was briefed and continues to monitor developments closely. The White House has maintained communication with Trump’s transition team and federal law enforcement. Biden condemned any threats of political violence.
A bomb threat was called in against Representative Elise Stefanik while she traveled home to Saratoga County for Thanksgiving with her husband and three-year-old son. “New York State, county law enforcement and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism,” her office noted.
Lee Zeldin also took to social media to say that a pipe bomb threat against his family included a pro-Palestinian message. He and his family were not at home at the time of the incident.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said a bomb threat regarding former Congressman Matt Gaetz referenced a mailbox at his Niceville home. The FBI acknowledged it was aware of multiple bomb threats and swatting incidents directed at incoming administration nominees and appointees.
