Romanian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Swatting and Bomb Threats
On Monday, a Romanian national admitted guilt in connection with orchestrating swatting incidents and bomb threats against a variety of targets, including lawmakers, places of worship, and former presidents, all part of a long-running conspiracy that aimed to instill fear and provoke police responses.
Thomaz Szabo, 26, entered his plea before US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, DC. He pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy, explosive threats, and spreading misinformation. Sentencing is set for October 23.
Federal prosecutors identified Szabo as the leader of an online group that has been involved in bomb threats and swatting activities since late 2020. He was extradited from Romania in November 2024, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“The defendant led a significant criminal conspiracy, intentionally threatening numerous government officials with violent hoaxes while operating from a distance,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondy. She emphasized ongoing efforts to protect Americans and collaborate with international partners to eliminate these threats.
Szabo made several deceptive reports to law enforcement, including a 2020 incident where he allegedly threatened a mass shooting at a New York City synagogue. Additionally, in January 2021, he purportedly claimed an explosive was planted at the U.S. Capitol while targeting the presidential election.
The DOJ noted that Szabo’s group engaged in various swatting and bomb threats from late December 2023 into early January 2024, specifically targeting at least 25 members of Congress or their families, with six being high-ranking officials, including several from the cabinet. They also threatened 13 federal law enforcement members and various judicial figures.
Furthermore, the group targeted at least 27 current or former state government officials and their families, along with four religious institutions and multiple media members.
In recent times, there has been an uptick in political violence and swatting incidents, particularly aimed at lawmakers and other prominent individuals.
Notable officials targeted by Szabo included Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Georgia Lt. Col. Burt Jones, and Georgia Sen. Clint Dixon.
