On Thursday, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) became the latest victim of a swatting incident when her Holly, Michigan, home was targeted by a false emergency call designed to elicit a large police response. Michigan State Police confirmed that they responded to what was ultimately a “false threat” at Slotkin’s residence.
Slotkin was not home at the time, according to her spokeswoman, Lynsey Mukomel, who told the Detroit News, “This is the latest in a disturbing trend of swatting incidents targeting members of Congress. Congresswoman Slotkin is deeply grateful for the swift and professional response by law enforcement to this unfortunate incident, and that U.S. Capitol Police will be following up to investigate and hopefully hold accountable those responsible.”
Swatting has become a growing problem, particularly for public officials. Last year, several politicians were swatted on Christmas Day, and in March, a suspect was identified in connection with over 100 swatting calls targeting officials within the Biden administration, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly.
Slotkin, who is running for Michigan’s open Senate seat following the retirement of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), has been thrust into the spotlight as the race heats up. Her Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, condemned the swatting incident, stating, “The event was horrific, and I am glad to hear that she was not harmed. It is my sincere hope that the perpetrators are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
