Political Swatting is a Major Threat to US Democracy

As we navigate through this election year, protecting against political swatting becomes crucial in upholding the sanctity of US democracy.

A recent article of mine shed light on the exploitation of swatting by foreign entities to coerce compromised organizations into settling ransoms. This deplorable act signifies a new nadir for threat actors.

However, a more disconcerting trend is on the rise. The White House was recently subjected to a swatting incident, triggered by a fraudulent 911 call alleging a fire and a trapped individual. This unsettling trend is part of a larger issue where swatting is used to target politicians and public office holders, serving as a medium to express political and ideological discontent.

In the past month, numerous politicians have been the targets of attempted swatting. On Christmas Day, fabricated reports of shootings were made at the residences of Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. A similar incident transpired at the home of Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, recognized for her decision to declare former President Trump ineligible for the state’s primary ballot, was targeted in a swatting incident at her residence. Similarly, Special Counsel Jack Smith…