Four Democratic lawmakers targeted with threats while home for Thanksgiving
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Rep. Joe Courtney and Rep. Jim Himes Getty Images
At least four Democratic lawmakers from Connecticut were targeted with bomb threats while at home for Thanksgiving, prompting law enforcement investigations. Reps. Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, John Larson, and Jahana Hayes each revealed Thursday that they received bomb threats, forcing law enforcement to respond. Fortunately, no evidence of a bomb was found in any of the incidents, and all the lawmakers confirmed that their families were safe.
The threats came just one day after several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointees and transition team members were similarly targeted with violent threats, which Trump’s team described as “violent and un-American.” These recent threats against public officials reflect a disturbing trend of escalating political violence and intimidation in the U.S.
Law enforcement officials noted that such incidents, including bomb threats and other forms of harassment, have become increasingly common in recent years. In some cases, authorities suspect that individuals, possibly overseas, use scripted threats to gain attention or as a form of entertainment. According to a law enforcement official familiar with these types of incidents, threats like these often lack substance, but they are still taken seriously to ensure the safety of those targeted.
While the bomb threats targeting the Connecticut representatives were found to be hoaxes, the lawmakers strongly denounced the violent rhetoric. Himes, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, emphasized that there is no place for political violence in the U.S. He called for peace and civility during the holiday season. Similarly, Rep. Larson expressed relief that his colleagues in Connecticut, including Himes, Courtney, and Hayes, were safe. “I am grateful that my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, who received similar threats, are also safe,” Larson said.
These threats came on the heels of an FBI statement regarding a growing number of bomb threats and “swatting” incidents aimed at incoming administration nominees and appointees. The FBI acknowledged these threats, stating that they take all such situations seriously and are working with local law enforcement to address them. The FBI also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Andrew McCabe, former FBI deputy director and CNN contributor, explained that such threats have become a regular part of life for high-profile individuals, especially those in controversial positions. “This has become a very, very common aspect of life for really anyone who is in a high-profile or even a remotely controversial position. It’s been going on for years,” McCabe said. He added that while law enforcement is aware that many of these threats are likely fake, they still have to respond to every incident in case one of them is real.
Swatting, a criminal hoax involving falsely reporting a crime to prompt a large police response, is one of the tactics often used in such threats. This type of hoax has been used against individuals across the political spectrum, from high-ranking officials to everyday citizens. In one notable case, special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan, who oversaw the federal election subversion case against Trump, were both targeted by swatting incidents.
The bomb threats against Connecticut’s Democratic lawmakers and other recent political intimidation cases highlight the growing danger posed by political violence and online harassment in an increasingly polarized political environment. These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety of public figures, particularly those involved in contentious political issues.
The lawmakers targeted in the Thanksgiving bomb threats have all expressed their commitment to standing against political violence. Their statements on Thursday underscored the importance of keeping the political discourse civil and free from threats. The FBI continues to investigate these and similar threats to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As political tensions remain high and violent threats against public officials increase, these incidents underscore the need for increased security and vigilance by law enforcement. While the motives behind these threats remain unclear, they serve as a stark reminder of the dangers facing public servants and the need for greater efforts to combat political violence in all its forms.
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