US Public Figures Including Marjorie Taylor Greene Targeted with Threats and Swatting | US News
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Over the Christmas holiday, the homes of US politicians and judges became targets of threats, protests and “swatting” hoaxes involving fake emergencies orchestrated to elicit a strong police response. High-profile individuals such as Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Colorado Supreme Court justices, who ruled that Donald Trump was ineligible for the 2024 presidential election ballot due to his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, were on the receiving end of such threats. Furthermore, protests were staged outside the homes of two military advisers to President Joe Biden in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Increasing Threats to Politicians and Judges Mark Christmas Holiday
Over the Christmas break, the homes of politicians and judges fell victim to threats, protests, and “swatting” hoaxes, a prank where fake emergencies are reported to trigger forceful police response. Among the victims was Republican congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene. Authorities are also investigating threats made against Colorado supreme court justices who ruled against Trump’s inclusion on the 2024 presidential ballot, citing his role in the January 6 Capitol attack.
Meanwhile, protests took place outside Joe Biden White House military advisers’ homes amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
Swatting Hoax Targets Greene
Rome, Georgia, police reported a New York man’s false claim of shooting his girlfriend at Greene‘s home and intending to commit suicide. Confirming Greene’s safety, authorities revealed the congresswoman has been the subject of around eight swatting attempts. Greene announced the incident on her social media account, identifying a threat to shoot her in the head and skin her to make a ‘parasol’.
Threats to Colorado Supreme Court Justices
Denver law enforcement, alongside the FBI, are investigating threats against Colorado supreme court justices following their ruling against Trump’s eligibility for the 2024 ballot. Denver police are also providing extra patrols around justices’ residences. Online forums circulate the names of justices ruling against Trump, prompting warnings of potential lone actor violence in response to the ruling.
Rise in Threats Against Officials
The political climate’s intensification has seen increased threats against government, judicial and public officials. Bloomberg Law reported that the US Marshals Service, responsible for federal judges’ safety, has seen substantiated threats rise from 178 in 2019 to 311 in 2022. The first quarter of 2023 alone witnessed over 280 threats.
Protesters Target US Defence Secretary and National Security Adviser
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged protests near the homes of the US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, and White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, in light of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Activists demanded a ceasefire as they chanted outside Austin’s home, a similar demonstration took place outside Sullivan’s residence.
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