Lawmakers fall victim to “swatting” during Christmas week

Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., said law enforcement officers were falsely called to his home on Wednesday night, making him the third Republican lawmaker to be a victim of “swatting” this week. So-called “swatting” is an illegal practice where a caller falsely reports a dangerous crime, triggering an aggressive response from police on an unsuspecting victim. It’s a form of cyber harassment that began in the online gaming community. Scott believes his support for former President Donald Trump, his pro-Israel stance, and his re-election made him a target. “They don’t want us to win,” he said in an interview. Boston’s Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu was also swatted during the holidays, on Christmas Day.

Who else was swatted this week? Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., was also a victim of swatting on Christmas Day while at home with her family. Greene confirmed the incident on social media, posting, “This is like the eighth time.” Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., also said his home was the victim of swatting on Christmas.

Dig deeper: Read Bekah McCallum’s report in WORLD Magazine on cybercrimes involving artificial intelligence technology.