Trump transition team says several Cabinet picks targeted with bomb threats and swatting

The Trump transition team revealed on Wednesday that several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent threats, including bomb threats and “swatting” incidents. These threats occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning and prompted swift responses from law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of those affected.

Karoline Leavitt, who will serve as Trump’s press secretary, issued a statement confirming the threats, which targeted individuals in Trump’s transition team. She said that these threats, ranging from bomb threats to swatting, were “unAmerican” and aimed at destabilizing the incoming administration. In response, law enforcement quickly acted to protect those affected, and the Trump transition team expressed its gratitude for their efforts.

The FBI confirmed its awareness of the incidents, stating that they are aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting events targeting incoming administration appointees. The FBI is coordinating with local law enforcement and emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation and expressed his condemnation of political violence. A White House spokesperson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to working with federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all those involved. The spokesperson also noted that federal law enforcement’s response to the threats, in collaboration with state and local authorities, remains ongoing.

Despite the heightened security, the targeted individuals were not under the protection of the U.S. Secret Service, according to a federal law enforcement source. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, speaking to CNN, noted that such threats have become increasingly common for individuals in high-profile or controversial positions. He explained that while authorities might be reasonably certain that most of these threats are hoaxes, they cannot afford to ignore the possibility that one of them could be legitimate.

Swatting, a criminal hoax in which false reports are made to law enforcement to provoke a large police response, is a tactic used to target individuals in the public eye. Over the years, figures from all political spectrums have been affected by swatting and bomb threats. Notably, special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case against Trump, have been victims of similar incidents.

Among the individuals targeted was Rep. Elise Stefanik, the chair of the House GOP conference and Trump’s pick to be U.N. ambassador. Her office reported that she, her husband, and their young child were informed of a bomb threat against their home in Saratoga County, New York. Law enforcement, including the U.S. Capitol Police, responded promptly to the threat.

Trump’s nominee for Environmental Protection Agency head, Lee Zeldin, also reported a pipe bomb threat directed at his residence. Zeldin said the threat included a pro-Palestinian message and that his family was not home at the time.

Other nominees, including Brooke Rollins (Agriculture Secretary), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor Secretary), and Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary), also reported bomb threats. Rollins noted that a threat had been issued against her family, though they were unharmed. Chavez-DeRemer confirmed that her Oregon home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat, condemning such acts of violence for their potential to harm communities beyond the intended targets.

In addition, Scott Turner, nominated to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and John Ratcliffe, chosen for CIA Director, were also victims of bomb threats. Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew his nomination for Attorney General, shared that he, too, had received threats. Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, was also reportedly targeted.

In light of these disturbing incidents, the transition team has maintained that threats of political violence have no place in American society. While law enforcement continues to investigate and respond to these incidents, there remains a strong commitment from both the Trump transition team and federal agencies to ensure the safety of all involved.

As authorities work to uncover the perpetrators behind these threats, the situation underscores the increasing risks faced by public figures in today’s highly charged political climate. The Trump transition team has called for continued vigilance and is committed to ensuring that such violent acts will not deter the peaceful transition of power.

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