Thu Mar 20 11:40:00 UTC 2025: **Surge in Swatters Targeting Conservative Media Prompts DHS Crackdown**
WASHINGTON D.C. – A wave of “swatting” incidents targeting conservative media figures has prompted a strong response from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Secretary Kristi Noem announced Wednesday that DHS will actively pursue those responsible for these attacks, which involve making false reports to emergency services to send armed police to a person’s home.
The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, has also confirmed a rise in such incidents, highlighting the danger posed to both the victims and responding officers. Patel emphasized that this issue transcends political lines, declaring that weaponizing law enforcement against any American is unacceptable.
Conservative radio host Joe Pagliarulo detailed one such incident, describing how armed deputies descended on his Texas home at 2 a.m. following a false report of a hostage situation and multiple shootings. He stressed the terrifying ordeal for his family. Similar incidents were reported by other conservative media personalities, including podcaster Nick Sortor and host Shawn Farash, and InfoWars host Owen Shroyer.
Secretary Noem, in a statement on X, vowed to utilize DHS’s resources to track down the perpetrators. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will not sit idly by,” she wrote. “We will use [our capabilities to trace phone numbers and locations] to hunt these cowards down.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed Noem’s sentiments, calling the perpetrators “cowards” while declining to comment on specifics of ongoing investigations.
Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX), a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing penalties for swatting – including up to 20 years imprisonment for incidents resulting in serious injury or death – described the attacks as “political terrorism.” The bill, introduced in January, aims to deter these dangerous actions. The FBI is actively investigating these incidents.
First Piper 