The FBI launched an investigation into a series of swatting incidents targeting conservative media personalities.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Friday that the agency is working with local law enforcement to scrutinize a “dangerous trend” of such incidents after multiple right-leaning media figures, including radio show host Joe Pagliarulo, podcaster Shawn Farash, and Infowars’s Chase Geiser said they were swatted in recent days.
“I want to address the alarming rise in ‘Swatting’ incidents targeting media figures. The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable,” Patel said in a statement on X.
“This isn’t about politics—weaponizing law enforcement against ANY American is not only morally reprehensible but also endangers lives, including those of our officers. That will not be tolerated,” he added.
Swatting occurs when someone reports an innocent person to law enforcement, accusing them of serious crimes, which results in armed police swat teams responding to the victims’ homes. People have been erroneously killed in such incidents, leading Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and others to suggest perpetrators should be charged with attempted murder.
Pagliarulo, who hosts the Joe Pags Show, said he could have died due to the swatting incident.
“If I would have grabbed my AR-15 and walked out the front door or my pistol and walked out the front door, I would have been dead in my doorway. Had I taken any other action, I might have been killed in my house that night. And you start to think maybe that’s the tactic,” he said.
Geiser said on March 12 that he had been swatted for the “second time in 12 hours.”
“6 to 8 police officers used a PA system to call me by name and order me to walk out of my house. I was handcuffed in the middle of the street, presumably at gunpoint though I couldn’t tell because of the light being shined on my face. I was then led into the house where my wife was woken up,” he said.
Catturd, an anonymous social media account known for its pro-Trump content, said he had been “swatted again for the fourth time” on Friday morning.
Journalist Nick Sortor, comedian Shawn Farash of UNGOVERNED, and social media influencer Gunther Eagleman were among other conservative media figures who suffered swatting incidents.
At least 10 people reported swatting incidents on Thursday, the FBI told the Daily Mail.
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There has also been an uptick in swatting incidents against lawmakers and Trump’s Cabinet members in recent months, leading House Sergeant-at-Arms William McFarland to send a letter addressed to the spouses of members of Congress, giving instructions on what to do in the case of such an incident.
Georgia lawmakers are also considering legislation that would shield the addresses of politicians and political candidates, giving them an additional layer of protection from swatting incidents.
