By Steve Neavling
Several Cabinet nominees of President-elect Donald Trump have been targeted with violent threats, including bomb scares and swatting incidents, prompting swift responses from law enforcement, Trump’s transition team said Wednesday.
The threats occurred late Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, according to Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, USA Today reports.
Swatting refers to the practice of falsely reporting emergencies to law enforcement to provoke an armed police response to an innocent party’s location.
“Law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted,” Leavitt said in a statement. “President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action.”
The FBI confirmed it is investigating the incidents, which targeted multiple nominees and appointees to the incoming administration. “We are aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents,” an FBI spokesperson told USA TODAY. “We are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who has been tapped by Trump to serve as ambassador to the United Nations, was among those targeted. Stefanik and her family were en route to New York for Thanksgiving when they were notified of a bomb threat, according to a statement from her office. Law enforcement, including U.S. Capitol Police, responded promptly to the threat.
Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, chosen to head the Environmental Protection Agency, also reported being targeted.
“A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” Zeldin said on X, formerly Twitter. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.”
Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for secretary of Defense, revealed his family was also threatened. On X, Hegseth described being informed by police early Wednesday of a credible pipe bomb threat against him.
“Our seven children were still sleeping,” he wrote. “Authorities notified my wife and me of the situation, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency declined to comment on whether officials have identified the source of the threats. Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement agencies work to determine who is responsible.
