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Multiple individuals chosen for positions in the Trump Administration have received bomb threats and have been victims of ‘swatting’. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team mentioned that law enforcement responded promptly to guarantee the safety of those affected.
Written by Devlin Barrett and Maggie Haberman
According to a spokesperson for the transition team, some of the individuals chosen by President-elect Donald J. Trump for cabinet positions or roles in the White House have received threats on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
According to Karoline Leavitt, a representative, various cabinet nominees and individuals have been subjected to threatening and violent behavior that goes against American values. Authorities responded promptly to protect those who were targeted and ensure their safety.
The FBI released a statement acknowledging that they are aware of bomb threats and swatting calls. Swatting calls involve falsely reporting a dangerous individual at a specific location to law enforcement. These calls are made with the intention of causing a quick and intense armed police response to scare, bother, and put someone in danger at their residence.
Three individuals who are knowledgeable about the threats, but wish to remain anonymous, revealed that one of the targets was Susie Wiles, who is both Mr. Trump’s campaign manager and his choice for White House chief of staff.
Elise Stefanik, a representative from New York chosen by Trump to be the ambassador to the United Nations, was informed by the police that a bomb threat had been targeted at her residence in Saratoga County. Fortunately, neither she nor her family were present at the time of the threat.
Lee Zeldin, a previous member of Congress from Long Island chosen by Trump to head the Environmental Protection Agency, mentioned that law enforcement had informed him about a threat of a pipe bomb made towards his residence. Zeldin stated that his family was not present at home when this occurred.
Mr. Trump announced his intention to appoint Brooke Rollins as agriculture secretary. Rollins took to social media to share that she had also experienced being targeted, and expressed gratitude towards the Fort Worth, Texas police for their quick response.
Two individuals familiar with the situation reported that Howard Lutnick, who was chosen by Mr. Trump for commerce secretary, received threats at his residence in Upper East Side of Manhattan. The New York Police Department confirmed that they had responded to the "terroristic threats" at the location, but no arrests were made.
The increase in bomb threats and swatting calls poses a challenge for American law enforcement, as it is now simpler for individuals to contact authorities anonymously or send threatening messages. This issue commonly affects public figures, schools, and celebrities.
A spokesperson from the White House, Saloni Sharma, mentioned that President Biden had received information about potential threats and was communicating with the Trump transition team. She stated that both Biden and his administration strongly denounce any threats of political violence.
Reporting was provided by Tim Balk.
Maggie Haberman is a journalist who covers the 2024 presidential campaign, other political races, and investigations related to former President Donald J. Trump. She is a senior political correspondent with a focus on these topics.
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