By It appears that some are not handling Donald Trump’s victory well and have resorted to violence, or at least the threat of violence.
Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees have recently faced bomb threats and swatting attacks, according to Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. She described these incidents as “violent, un-American threats” that have led to immediate action by law enforcement to safeguard the nominees and their families.
Leavitt expressed gratitude on behalf of Trump and the transition team for the rapid response of law enforcement in protecting those involved.
Swatting is when a hoax call is made to police claiming a life-threatening situation is taking place. It is meant to draw SWAT teams to a location and can lead to deadly outcomes.
Three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the swatting incident involving multiple Trump allies told NBC News that these were not credible threats. No devices or physical threats were found and some of the threats may have come in over social media, the officials said. The threats did not involve U.S. Secret Service protectees such as Trump or Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The FBI said in a statement it “is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.”
The Trump statement did not identify exactly who or how many incoming officials were subjected to the hoax but said “law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted.”
Although Leavitt did not specify which nominees were targeted, reports have reveald the scope of the incidents. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from consideration for attorney general, was among those affected. A pipe bomb threat was made against his Florida residence. Although Gaetz was not home at the time, a family member was present, prompting authorities to secure the area with bomb-sniffing dogs.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, also reported being targeted. While traveling home to Saratoga County, New York, for Thanksgiving with her husband and young son, Stefanik received notice of a bomb threat against her residence. Local and federal authorities responded quickly to the situation.
Other nominees, including John Ratcliffe, nominated to lead the CIA; Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee; and Lee Zeldin, chosen to head the Environmental Protection Agency, were also targeted.
Zeldin disclosed that his family’s home was threatened with a pipe bomb alongside a pro-Palestinian message. Fortunately, no one was home at the time, and Zeldin is cooperating with investigators to identify those responsible. The incident is the second time the incoming EPA leader’s home has been threatened in the past couple of years by leftists.
Police in New York also confirmed threats against property owned by Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary. The FBI has joined the investigations and emphasized their commitment to addressing these incidents, urging the public to report any suspicious activity.
The Trump transition team has condemned the threats, reiterating their focus on unity and perseverance.
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