Washington, DC – The Trump-Vance transition team reported a series of violent threats aimed at President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administration appointees on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The threats included bomb threats and swatting incidents, prompting law enforcement to act swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s future press secretary, expressed gratitude for the rapid response of authorities in a statement.
The FBI acknowledged the numerous threats and incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees and stated that they are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to address the situation. President Joe Biden was briefed on the incidents and his administration expressed strong condemnation against threats of political violence.
Former FBI deputy director and CNN contributor Andrew McCabe highlighted the prevalence of such threats in high-profile or controversial positions. Swatting, a criminal hoax involving falsely reporting crimes to prompt police response, has become a common tactic in today’s divisive political climate. Both Republican and Democratic officials have been targeted in these incidents.
Members of Congress, such as New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and Representative Lee Zeldin, who were appointed to various positions in the Trump administration, also faced threats to their homes. Despite the threats, officials like Pete Hegseth and Lori Chavez-DeRemer expressed resilience and emphasized the negative impact of such violence on entire communities.
The threats extended to Trump’s other picks for key positions, including Scott Turner, Matt Gaetz, John Ratcliffe, and Howard Lutnick, showcasing the widespread nature of these incidents. The Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security have been contacted for further information, but the transition team declined to provide additional details. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the threats.
These incidents underscore the heightened tensions in American politics and the need for continued vigilance against threats of violence targeting public officials. The safety and security of government officials remain a top priority as the transition of power progresses. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to collaborate effectively to ensure the protection of those targeted by such violent threats.