Raffensperger calls on lawmakers to address swatting amid rise in incidents

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) on Thursday called on lawmakers to address the rise in swatting incidents involving public figures across the country.

“The increase in swatting and other physical threats is very concerning. We expect tensions to rise in the lead-up to a major presidential election,” Raffensperger said. news release.

“We expect the American people to participate in the democratic process, and we will not resort to despicable acts of intimidation,” he continued. “We are committed to defending our democratic principles and fighting for an environment in which our citizens can participate freely and safely.”

Swatting occurs when one or more individuals falsely report an emergency, crime, mass shooting, or kidnapping in progress in order to prompt a police response. These have increased in recent years and often target celebrities, politicians, and internet live streamers as a form of online harassment.

A press release from the Georgia Secretary of State's office highlights his proposed 2016 bill, which aims to update consequences related to “obstruction of government and related crimes.” If passed, the bill would increase the penalty for false alarms from one year to up to 10 years in prison.

In a release, Raffensperger encouraged lawmakers to take another look at the proposal.

“Secretary Raffensperger urges all elected officials and community leaders to condemn all forms of political violence and intimidation and to use the language he proposed in 2016 to impose stricter We are calling for protections to be put in place,” the release reads. “Enacting a law like this as current law in Georgia would be a powerful deterrent to future despicable acts.”

The move follows a number of high-profile politicians, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Brandon Williams (R-New York), and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who have recently swapped This was done in response to a report on the Ting incident.

“I just got hit. This is like the eighth time,” Green said. Said on Christmas Day in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I came here for Christmas with my family. My local police are the greatest and I shouldn't have to deal with this.”