Conservative media figures face a coordinated wave of dangerous “swatting” attacks, prompting a fierce federal response to what officials now classify as domestic terrorism.
Quick Takes
- At least 15 conservative commentators and journalists have been targeted by swatting attacks in a single week
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have committed to hunting down and prosecuting perpetrators
- Swatting incidents are often accompanied by unordered pizza deliveries, suggesting a coordinated campaign
- A bipartisan bill proposes up to 20 years in prison for swatting calls resulting in serious injury or death
- Officials believe the attacks may be linked to victims’ commentary on Ukraine
Federal Officials Declare War on Swatting Perpetrators
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI have launched aggressive investigations into a troubling surge of “swatting” attacks targeting conservative media personalities. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has promised swift action against those responsible for these dangerous hoaxes, which involve making false emergency calls to dispatch armed police to victims’ homes. The coordinated nature of these incidents, affecting at least 15 conservative figures in just one week, has elevated concerns about politically motivated domestic terrorism aimed at silencing right-leaning voices.
FBI Director Kash Patel made a statement confirming that federal authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. The attacks represent not just harassment but potentially deadly encounters, as heavily armed law enforcement officers respond to what they believe are legitimate emergency situations. Conservative radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo recently found himself staring down the barrels of police firearms after becoming a swatting victim, highlighting the life-threatening nature of these false reports.
A Coordinated Campaign Against Conservative Voices
The pattern of attacks reveals a disturbing level of organization. Since March 11, swatting incidents have targeted InfoWars reporter Chase Geiser, independent journalist Nick Sortor, and conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman, among others. In many cases, the swatting calls are preceded or accompanied by unsolicited pizza deliveries with specific instructions for delivery drivers to “bang on door” – seemingly designed to create confusion during the subsequent police response and potentially escalate the danger.
Investigators have noted that many of the targeted individuals had recently commented on Ukraine, suggesting a possible motive behind the campaign. and locations. DHS Secretary Noem emphasized that DHS possesses advanced capabilities to trace and track those responsible, regardless of attempts to hide their digital footprints.
Swatted for a second time in 12 hours. Here’s the video.
Long live InfoWars. pic.twitter.com/H0nIt8NjcC
— Chase Geiser (@realchasegeiser) March 12, 2025
Bipartisan Push for Harsher Penalties
The severity of the swatting epidemic has prompted legislative action with support from both Republicans and Democrats. A bipartisan bill has been introduced that would significantly strengthen penalties for swatting, imposing up to 20 years in prison for cases resulting in serious injury or death. Representative Brandon Gill has been particularly vocal about the need for decisive action, characterizing the swatting campaign as a form of “political terrorism” that demands an immediate and forceful response.
Victims have taken to social media to share their harrowing experiences, often posting video footage of police surrounding their homes with weapons drawn. These testimonies underscore not only the immediate danger to the targets and their families but also the strain placed on law enforcement resources. Each swatting call diverts police from genuine emergencies and creates situations where officers must make split-second decisions under false pretenses – a recipe for potential tragedy that officials are determined to prevent through aggressive investigation and prosecution.
