A surge of swatting incidents targeting conservative influencers and journalists has ignited alarm and outrage across the United States, with prominent figures and their families finding themselves at the center of dangerous hoaxes that send armed police to their homes in the dead of night. The wave of attacks, which has unfolded over the past several weeks, has prompted both federal investigations and heated debate about law enforcement’s preparedness and response.
A Pattern of Political Targeting
The victims of these swatting incidents are overwhelmingly conservative media personalities and supporters of former President Donald Trump, many of whom have engaged with Elon Musk on social media. Notable names include social media influencer Gunther Eagleman, radio host Joe Pagliarulo, commentator Nick Sortor, and historian-filmmaker Erin Derham, among others. In several cases, entire families were jolted awake by police at their doors after false reports of violence or hostage situations.
Pagliarulo, for example, recounted a harrowing early-morning encounter when armed officers responded to a fabricated emergency at his Texas home. Doorbell footage shared on his program showed officers at his entrance, and Pagliarulo admitted he nearly confronted them with his own firearm—an action that could have had deadly consequences. Erin Derham described the terror of opening her door to police while her children slept nearby, calling the experience “the cheapest form of terrorism”.
Federal and Congressional Response
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, and the Department of Homeland Security have launched investigations into what they call a “disturbing rise” in politically motivated swatting. Patel has repeatedly condemned the attacks, emphasizing that weaponizing law enforcement against any American is “morally reprehensible” and endangers lives, including those of police officers. He has vowed to hold perpetrators accountable and to work closely with local law enforcement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed these sentiments, promising relentless pursuit of those responsible. “This is an assault on our law enforcement and innocent families, and we will treat it as such,” Noem wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Congress has also taken notice: Chairman Clay Higgins of the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement announced a formal investigation into the apparent targeting of individuals based on political affiliation and demanded briefings from the Department of Justice and FBI on their efforts to address the surge in swatting attacks.
Frustration and Calls for Action
Despite these high-level responses, many affected influencers have voiced frustration over what they perceive as insufficient engagement or protection from federal authorities. Some, like commentator Nick Sortor, have described the attacks as “literal terrorism” and accused perpetrators of attempting to provoke deadly encounters between police and innocent civilians. Others have warned that the intent behind these hoaxes is to intimidate conservative voices into silence—a tactic they insist will not succeed.
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has gone so far as to question whether swatting should be prosecuted as attempted murder, given the grave risks involved when armed officers respond to false reports of violence.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Risks
The swatting epidemic has reignited debate over law enforcement’s handling of such cases and the adequacy of current deterrents and investigative tools. Swatting is not new, but its escalation against political figures raises fresh concerns about both the safety of those targeted and the broader implications for free speech and political discourse in America.
As investigations continue, the victims and their supporters are demanding not just justice, but systemic changes to prevent future attacks. For now, the threat of swatting remains a chilling reality for many in the conservative media sphere, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action at every level of government.