Conservative media figures across the nation face a dangerous new threat as coordinated swatting attacks target journalists and commentators, prompting swift response from top government officials.
Key Takeaways
- At least 15 conservative media figures have been targeted by dangerous “swatting” attacks in a single week
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have condemned the attacks and promised to hunt down perpetrators
- Swatting incidents typically include false emergency calls and unwanted food deliveries, suggesting coordination
- A bipartisan bill seeks to increase penalties for swatting, with up to 20 years imprisonment for incidents causing serious injury or death
- Officials are treating these coordinated attacks as potential acts of domestic terrorism
Wave of Dangerous Swatting Attacks Targets Conservative Voices
A disturbing trend of “swatting” attacks has emerged against conservative media figures since March 11, with at least 15 conservative commentators and journalists reporting incidents within a week. Swatting involves making false emergency calls to emergency services to send armed police to an unsuspecting person’s home, creating potentially deadly confrontations between law enforcement and innocent civilians. The victims include InfoWars reporter Chase Geiser, independent journalist Nick Sortor, and conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman, among others who have shared their experiences on social media platforms.
Many victims have reported a common pattern: receiving unwanted pizza deliveries with instructions for delivery drivers to “bang on door” immediately before the swatting calls. This pattern indicates a coordinated effort, suggesting these are not random pranks but targeted attacks against conservative voices.
Federal Response and Investigation
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have both publicly addressed the alarming increase in swatting incidents targeting conservative media figures. Both officials have committed substantial resources to track down and prosecute those responsible for the dangerous false reports. Noem emphasized that DHS has sophisticated capabilities to trace these calls regardless of attempts to hide the perpetrators’ identities.
FBI Director Patel similarly condemned the attacks, stating that the Bureau is actively investigating the incidents. Patel emphasized that the issue transcends politics, focusing instead on the serious public safety threat posed by false emergency calls that divert critical law enforcement resources from genuine emergencies and put innocent people at risk. The FBI’s involvement signals the serious nature of these coordinated attacks against media figures.
Swatted for a second time in 12 hours. Here’s the video.
Long live InfoWars. pic.twitter.com/H0nIt8NjcC
— Chase Geiser (@realchasegeiser) March 12, 2025
Legislative Action and Prevention Strategies
A bipartisan bill has been introduced to impose harsher penalties for swatting, with provisions for up to 20 years in prison for calls resulting in serious injury or death. The legislation aims to create stronger deterrents against these dangerous false reports. Representative Brandon Gill has been particularly vocal about the incidents, describing swatting as “political terrorism” that could potentially get someone killed if allowed to continue.
Some police departments have implemented protocols where officers will call residents before approaching homes when receiving emergency calls matching swatting patterns. Media figures who have received unexpected food deliveries are being advised to contact local authorities immediately, as these deliveries have frequently preceded swatting incidents.
As the investigation continues, both federal and local authorities are coordinating efforts to prevent further incidents and identify those responsible for the coordinated campaign. The serious response from top officials reflects growing concerns about the use of emergency services as weapons against political opponents, and the potential for these dangerous incidents to result in serious injury or death of innocent Americans exercising their right to free speech.
