Several appointees and nominees to President-elect Trump's administration were targeted with threats this week, just days before the Thanksgiving holiday.
President-elect Trump's White House press secretary, Caroline Leavitt, said in a statement Wednesday that “several” of the president-elect's Cabinet picks have been targeted by “swatting” calls and bomb threats. A swatting call is a fake emergency call directed to a person's home.
“In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those targeted. President Trump and the entire transition team are grateful for the swift action.” Levitt said in a statement.
Shortly after, the FBI confirmed that the agency was aware of “numerous bombings and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration candidates and appointees” and that the agency was “cooperating with law enforcement partners.” .
Federal law enforcement said it “takes all potential threats seriously and, as always, we encourage the public to immediately report anything that appears suspicious to law enforcement.”
Here's a list of Trump's nominees who were the subject of threats this week:
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.)
Stefanik, who was chosen by President Trump to be ambassador to the United Nations, said through a spokeswoman that she was notified Wednesday morning that her home had been the target of a bomb threat.
“This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington to Saratoga County for Thanksgiving when they received a bomb threat against their home,” Stefanik's spokesperson said. the person in charge said. said in a statement Wednesday. “New York State, county law enforcement, and the U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest level of professionalism.”
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.)
Gaetz's alleged mailbox in the Niceville, Florida area was the target of a bomb threat Wednesday morning. According to to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. Gates' family lives at that address, but the deputy does not live there, the sheriff's office said. Authorities said the mailbox was emptied but no equipment was found. Gaetz was originally nominated by President Trump to be the next attorney general, but he withdrew his nomination last week.
Lee Zeldin
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R.N.Y.), President Trump's pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said Wednesday that his family home was targeted in a pipe bomb threat with a pro-Palestinian theme. Ta. message. “Zeldin is Jewish.
“My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to gather further information as this situation evolves.” Zeldin told X on Wednesday.. “We are grateful for the quick actions taken by our local police officers to keep our families, neighbors, and community safe.”
brooke rollins
Rollins, who was nominated by the president-elect to be secretary of agriculture, said she and her family learned about the bomb threat Wednesday morning. Fort Worth, Texas, police responded and no one was injured, Rollins said.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to our law enforcement professionals who have worked tirelessly to protect us with both speed and expertise, just as they protect our communities every day. .” she said in a statement regarding X.
howard lutnick
Lutnick, President Trump's nominee for secretary of commerce, issued a bomb threat to his Upper East Side home on Wednesday. News 12 reportedThis was reported by the New York City Police Department.
Lori Chavez Delemer
Rep. Chavez Delemer (R-Ore.), President Trump's pick for labor secretary during his second go-around in the Oval Office, said Tuesday night that her family home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat. spoke.
The first-term lawmaker, who lost re-election earlier this month, said the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office responded quickly and everyone was “safe.”
“This type of violence harms not just the target, but the entire community. This is an unacceptable way to express opposition, and it is an unacceptable way for President Trump and the team he has assembled to act on behalf of the American people. It does not deter us,” she said in Wednesday's newspaper. statement.
Former NFL star Scott Turner
Scott Turner, President Trump's nominee to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said his home was the target of a bomb threat, along with the residences of “several of my colleagues.”
“I am grateful for the quick and professional response of local law enforcement to ensure everyone's safety. Nothing will shake my determination to serve in the @realDonaldTrump administration and bring much-needed changes to @HUDgov. there is no.” I wrote In X's Wednesday post.
In response to the threatening report, a White House spokesperson said President Biden had been briefed on the incident and the administration was in contact with Trump's team and federal law enforcement and monitoring developments.
A White House spokesperson told The Hill: “The response by federal law enforcement, along with state and local authorities, is ongoing. The President and his administration unequivocally condemn the threat of political violence.”
