FBI Steps Up Action Against Swatting Threats To Influential Figures

The FBI increases efforts to address the surge in swatting incidents endangering media and political figures.

Key Takeaways:

The FBI is investigating a rise in swatting incidents targeting high-profile conservative media figures.
Swatting involves falsely reporting an innocent person to law enforcement, leading to police being dispatched to their home.
InfoWars host Chase Geiser experienced police being sent to his home twice within 12 hours.
FBI Director Kash Patel is addressing the increase in swatting attacks and coordinating with local law enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that swatting calls and hoax threats are frequent and advised at-risk individuals to strengthen relations with local law enforcement.

FBI Focuses on Swatting Threats

The FBI has intensified its efforts to combat the alarming rise in swatting incidents targeting high-profile figures, particularly within the conservative media arena. These attacks involve fake emergency calls leading to police dispatches to the homes of unsuspecting individuals, posing significant risks and straining law enforcement resources. FBI Director Kash Patel underscores the urgency of addressing this issue, stressing the dangerous implications of swatting and its classification as domestic terrorism.

At least ten swatting incidents were reported on a single Thursday, highlighting the pervasive nature of this threat. FBI investigations are underway, aiming to hold perpetrators accountable. Notable victims include social media influencer Gunther Eagleman, who reported a fake hostage situation call to his home, and Chase Geiser, who experienced repeated swatting incidents within a short span.

I want to address the alarming rise in ‘Swatting’ incidents targeting media figures. The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

This isn’t about politics—weaponizing law enforcement…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 14, 2025

Impact on Media Figures

The increase in swatting cases has sent shockwaves through conservative media circles. Radio host Joe Pagliarulo captured terrifying footage of a man armed with a rifle outside his home, illustrating the severe nature of these threats. InfoWars host Chase Geiser described the ordeal he faced, stating, “I was just swatted again moments ago.” Such incidents emphasize the real danger swatting poses to individuals being targeted.

“The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable,” said Director Patel.

In the wake of these events, media figures have shared home security footage as evidence of these dangerous encounters. Patel stresses that swatting is not politically motivated but a clear public safety threat that the FBI is committed to tackling. Despite the federal focus, no arrests have been made yet, underscoring the challenge the FBI faces in tracking the perpetrators.

#ICYMI: #FBI Director Wray spoke with sheriffs from @MCSheriffs about threats facing law enforcement and how partnerships are the key to better protecting the American people. Read about their conversations on violent crime, swatting, and more at https://t.co/wQAeGRt8cl pic.twitter.com/hOB2TEoeo7

— FBI (@FBI) February 23, 2024

Call for Legislative Action

The gravity of swatting incidents has prompted calls for severe legal actions. Republican Senator Mike Lee suggested swatting should be prosecuted as attempted murder, a sentiment echoing the growing frustration over these acts. Director Patel warned against the dangerous precedent of weaponizing law enforcement against citizens, highlighting the moral reprehensibility of such acts.

High-profile figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have been swatting victims, adding momentum to calls for action. Homeland Security advises at-risk individuals to forge strong ties with local law enforcement as a precaution. Efforts to mitigate this trend continue, with the FBI promising updates as investigations progress.