DHS and FBI Unite to Combat Swatting Attacks Targeting Conservative Media Figures
In a concerted effort to address the alarming rise of swatting incidents targeting members of the conservative media, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have pledged to aggressively pursue those responsible for these dangerous acts. Swatting, a form of harassment where individuals falsely report emergencies to dispatch armed law enforcement to another person’s home, has increasingly targeted media personalities and their families, raising serious concerns about safety and political intimidation.
Secretary Noem announced on Wednesday that the DHS would dedicate its resources to hunting down the perpetrators of these swatting attacks, labeling them as "cowards." She emphasized the grave danger these incidents pose to both victims and responding officers, stating that the Trump administration would not stand idly by while conservative media figures and their families are targeted with false reports.
FBI Director Kash Patel had previously confirmed a surge in swatting incidents aimed at media personalities, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the FBI’s commitment to investigating and holding those responsible accountable. Patel stressed that the weaponization of law enforcement against any American is morally reprehensible and endangers lives, including those of law enforcement officers. He vowed to collaborate with local law enforcement to crack down on these crimes.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed Secretary Noem’s sentiments, describing swatters as "cowards." While refraining from discussing specific investigations, McLaughlin affirmed the DHS’s dedication to addressing the threat of swatting.
The intensified focus on swatting comes in response to a string of recent incidents targeting conservative media figures. Radio host Joe "Pags" Pagliarulo recounted a harrowing experience where he was awakened at 2 a.m. by a group of armed deputies responding to a false report of a hostage situation at his Texas home.
Pagliarulo described how he was alerted by his security cameras and discovered a deputy armed with an AR-15 at his front door. He immediately called 911 to ascertain whether the responders were legitimate law enforcement officers. Dispatchers confirmed that the sheriff’s office had received a call about a hostage situation with multiple dogs shot, a false scenario designed to provoke a forceful response.
The swatter claimed that someone was "bleeding out upstairs" and urged the dispatcher to "please hurry and get inside," heightening the tension and risk for both the deputies and Pagliarulo’s family. Pagliarulo emphasized that the report was entirely fabricated, stating that his family was peacefully sleeping and that nothing was amiss at his home. He believed that the perpetrator’s intention was to intimidate him into silence, preventing him from continuing his radio work.
Pagliarulo immediately contacted Patel after the incident, leading to the FBI Director’s public statement condemning swatting. Patel emphasized that the issue transcends politics and that the misuse of law enforcement for harassment is unacceptable.
Other conservative media figures, including podcaster Nick Sortor and host Shawn Farash, reported similar swatting incidents on the same day as Pagliarulo. InfoWars host Owen Shroyer also shared a video detailing his experience of being swatted.
Lawmakers have also taken action to address the growing threat of swatting. A bipartisan, bicameral bill was introduced in January to strengthen penalties against those found guilty of making swatting calls, imposing prison sentences of up to 20 years for false calls resulting in serious injury or death.
Representative Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas and a cosponsor of the bill, condemned swatting as "political terrorism" and emphasized the potential for deadly consequences. He called for an end to the practice, highlighting the danger it poses to innocent individuals.
The coordinated efforts of the DHS, FBI, and lawmakers signal a determined response to the escalating problem of swatting. By leveraging resources to trace phone numbers and track location information, the DHS aims to identify and prosecute perpetrators. The heightened penalties proposed in the bipartisan bill further underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating this dangerous form of harassment.
Swatting incidents have evolved from prank calls to a form of "digital terrorism," as experts have noted. The potential for serious harm or even death is undeniable, making it imperative that law enforcement and policymakers take decisive action to deter these crimes and protect potential victims.
The focus on the safety and security of media figures is particularly important in an era of heightened political polarization. Ensuring that journalists and commentators can express their views without fear of harassment or intimidation is essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant democracy. The commitment of the DHS and FBI to combat swatting sends a clear message that such tactics will not be tolerated and that those who engage in them will face the full force of the law.
