NEW YORK — On Wednesday, it was reported that several selections for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet and other appointees have been subjected to violent threats including bomb threats and swatting incidents, according to his transition team.
A spokesperson for the Trump transition, Karoline Leavitt, stated, “Recently, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees faced un-American threats to their safety and that of their families.”
She elaborated that these threats included bomb threats and swatting, a practice meant to provoke a law enforcement response under fraudulent circumstances. The spokesperson acknowledged the prompt response of law enforcement and safety authorities to protect the individuals targeted. “President Trump and the entire Transition team are thankful for their rapid response,” she added.
The FBI has indicated its awareness of the bomb threats and swatting incidents aimed at incoming administration appointees and emphasized their commitment to take such threats seriously. They are collaborating with various law enforcement agencies and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity.
One notable victim of these threats was Representative Elise Stefanik from New York, who has been nominated to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. According to her office, as she, her husband, and their young son were returning from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday, they received a notification regarding a bomb threat aimed at their home in Saratoga County.
Her office praised the prompt and professional response from New York State and County law enforcement as well as the U.S. Capitol Police, expressing gratitude for the officers who work tirelessly to ensure community safety.
In Florida, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office disclosed on social media that they were alerted to a bomb threat concerning a mailbox associated with former Congressman Matt Gaetz at a residence in the Niceville area. Although a family member lives at the property, it was clarified that Gaetz does not reside there. Authorities conducted a thorough search of the mailbox and the surrounding area, finding no suspicious devices.
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service have yet to provide comments on these incidents.