A Troubling Trend: The Surge in Swatting Incidents Targeting Elections Officials
Michigan's Secretary of State Endures Two Swatting Incidents within 48 Hours, Alarming Pattern of Threats Towards Electoral Officials
The Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has become a victim of swatting, twice within a span of 48 hours, as reported on her Twitter account. Swatting, the malicious practice of making fake emergency calls to trigger a potentially lethal law enforcement response, has been on the rise among election officials in recent times and shows no signs of abating as we approach the 2024 presidential election.
Benson's home was targeted in these 'swatting' attacks, and she's not alone in experiencing such harassment. Election officials in states like Maine, Georgia, Missouri, and Virginia have also fallen victim to this disturbing trend. Despite the threats, Benson remains undeterred, stating that these attacks won't hinder her efforts in securing fair and accurate elections in Michigan.
Swatting is a form of political violence that can be incredibly dangerous and terrifying. However, Benson is unwavering, asserting that she won't be intimidated. she's committed to ensuring the confidence of Michigan citizens in their secure elections, regardless of who they vote for.
President Joe Biden narrowly won Michigan in the 2020 elections, but Vice President Kamala Harris has seen a surge in support, leading in recent polls by 4 points, according to the New York Times. With Harris gaining momentum, it's probable that Trump and his supporters may resort to increasingly aggressive tactics, like swatting and other forms of harassment, to skew the election outcomes in their favor if they can't win fairly.
The FBI is currently investigating an increase in swatting incidents against various individuals, including conservative media personalities and public figures. In fact, incidents like the one targeting Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have resulted in fatal car accidents involving police. The FBI is considering stricter penalties for swatting, potentially including up to 20 years in prison if serious injuries or fatalities occur.
In response to these increasing concerns, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers resources and training to prepare for, respond to, and recover from swatting incidents and hoax threats. DHS initiatives help recognize suspicious activity and improve threat assessment. For personal safety, DHS's "Your Safety, Our Priority" initiative provides guidelines for responding to swatting incidents effectively.
Continued efforts by law enforcement, increased penalties, and public awareness campaigns are essential in addressing potential election security risks as we move closer to the 2024 presidential election. Keeping a close watch for specific incidents targeting election officials will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and confidence in our democratic processes.
- Election officials, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson from Michigan, have been facing increasing threats through swatting incidents, with several incidents reported in states like Maine, Georgia, Missouri, and Virginia.
- NBC News reported that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading in recent polls by 4 points, which might prompt Trump and his supporters to resort to aggressive tactics, such as swatting and other forms of harassment, if they can't win fairly in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
- The FBI is currently investigating an increase in swatting incidents against individuals, including conservatives media personalities and public figures, with fatal consequences, like the car accident involving police that occurred due to incidents targeting Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
- To address these concerns, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers resources and training to help recognize suspicious activity, improve threat assessment, and respond effectively to swatting incidents, as part of their "Your Safety, Our Priority" initiative.
