FBI Warns of Swatting Amidst a Wave of Politically Motivated Attacks

As I recently discovered, even the most mundane interactions with law enforcement can take an unexpected turn when you're at the center of a potential emergency response scenario.

I reached out to my local sheriff's office and made an unusual request: if they ever receive a call about my residence that requires an emergency response, they should be aware that it might be a hoax. The response was prompt and reassuring – not surprising, given how prevalent swatting has become in recent years.

The Rise of Swatting

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is sounding the alarm about an uptick in swatting incidents, many of which are targeted at individuals whose political opinions are seen as unpopular. According to an April 29 alert, the FBI is aware of multiple recent "swatting" incidents – a malicious tactic that involves making hoax calls or reports to emergency services, typically feigning an immediate threat to life.

Swatting has been a problem for years, with the term first used by the FBI in 2008. Even then, swatters were using technology to disguise their voices and make it appear as though calls originated at victims' homes. In recent years, however, swatting has become a political weapon, with activists using the emergency reporting system and police to threaten and intimidate individuals who don't align with their views.

Consequences of Swatting

The consequences of swatting can be severe – not just for the victims themselves, but also for law enforcement agencies that respond to these incidents. In 2017, Andrew Finch was killed by police during a swatting incident involving gamers who had no connection to him.

In another incident in 2020, Mark Herring died of a heart attack due to someone's prank call to his Twitter handle. Such incidents are a stark reminder that swatting is not just a minor nuisance, but a serious threat to public safety.

A Growing Concern

Swatting has become a growing concern in recent years, with an increasing number of incidents reported across the United States. According to a report by the Network Contagion Research Institute and the Rutgers University Social Perception Lab, tolerance for political violence has surged among certain segments of the population.

A Target on the Rise

Until recently, conservatives were the primary targets of swatting attacks. However, with Republicans winning the 2024 elections, liberal activists have begun to target those who don't align with their views.

I'm a libertarian journalist who writes both critical and positive pieces about the current administration. While I may not be directly targeted by most swatters, my articles often attract a certain level of attention – and with that comes a risk of being targeted myself.

A Cautionary Tale

Recently, I fielded around a dozen bogus "account recovery" attempts and several phishing phone calls. My colleagues are on the receiving end of similar harassment as well.

This is not just an individual problem – it's a systemic issue that affects journalists, activists, and anyone who speaks out on issues they care about. As someone who values free speech and open discourse, I find it concerning that my work might be seen as a threat to certain ideologies.

A Call to Action

Out of an abundance of caution, I reached out to my local sheriff's office and advised them – and my colleagues – to take similar precautions. It would be better yet if the current state of the country didn't make these concerns necessary.

But until that day comes, it's essential for us to remain vigilant and take steps to protect ourselves from this growing threat. By being aware of our surroundings and taking simple precautions, we can reduce the risk of becoming swatting targets.