Wave of Swatting Attacks Targets Conservative Influencers, Prompting Federal Investigation

NEW YORK — Several conservative influencers face escalating threats as a surge of swatting incidents prompts federal investigations. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are involved amidst fears that these fake emergency calls could turn deadly.

Larry Taunton, an influencer with over 177,000 followers on X, experienced this firsthand early Sunday morning. Awakened in his Alabama home by his dog, Ranger, Taunton discovered a figure in body armor attempting to enter his residence with a gun drawn.

“I’m thinking, if that man comes through my door, I’m going to light him up,” Taunton recounted in an interview with CNN. Initially believing he was under attack, he later learned three officers were responding to a swatting call claiming that multiple men in hoodies were inside his house, executing everyone.

This incident is part of a troubling trend; Taunton is one of at least a dozen conservative influencers targeted by swatting within the last two weeks. Swatting involves making false emergency calls to dispatch law enforcement to a victim’s home, often resulting in police response with weapons drawn.

Many recent victims share a political affiliation and have communicated with prominent figures like Elon Musk on social media. The swatting incidents coincide with rising tensions against Tesla owners and dealerships, attributed to backlash against Musk’s controversial management decisions.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her commitment on X, stating, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will not sit idly by as conservative new media and their families are being targeted by false swatting.” She promised to utilize resources to trace the calls and hold the perpetrators accountable.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the seriousness of the issue, tweeting, “This isn’t about politics—weaponizing law enforcement against ANY American is not only morally reprehensible but also endangers lives, including those of our officers.”

Erin Derham, another victim living in North Carolina, also faced a frightening ordeal. She heard loud banging at her door at 1:30 a.m. and realized it could be related to the swatting trend. Previously warned by local police about potential targeting, her response to open the door resulted in a tense encounter with officers.

“I could hear loud sirens blaring down the street,” said Derham. “We found out later four police officers, a fire truck, and two ambulances responded. It was overwhelming.”

Derham’s husband had been impersonated in a call reporting a shooting incident, falsely claiming that Derham had been killed. “I felt like I was going to pass out most of the time that they were in the house,” she recalled, highlighting the psychological toll the experience inflicted on her and her family.

The troubling issue of swatting isn’t new, as evidenced by past incidents resulting in fatalities. In 2017, a man was shot and killed by police following a swatting call that falsely reported a hostage situation. In another case in 2020, a man suffered a fatal heart attack when officers instructed him to exit with his hands raised.

Despite the trauma, many influencers remain resolute in their political activism. Van Swol, also an influencer, posted on X, “To the person/entity swatting people… you are not changing hearts and minds by doing this.” He and his family refuse to be silenced by intimidation.

The ongoing incidents have placed a burden on law enforcement as well. Responding officers are left grappling with the implications of their actions during these intense situations. Derham mentioned that the officer who first responded to their home has experienced emotional distress from the encounter.

In addition to swatting, Derham and her family have faced ongoing harassment, receiving unsolicited and preposterous pizza deliveries, indicating that the situation has escalated. “This was humiliating and terrifying,” she said. “You just think, what if this is a dry run? This is really, really scary.”