There’s been a terrifying surge in swatting attacks targeting conservative voices across America. Over the past week, nearly 20 prominent MAGA influencers, podcasters, and lawmakers have faced armed police raids at their homes due to fake 911 calls. These hoaxes are being called “political terrorism” by victims and law enforcement alike.
Conservative journalist Larry Taunton described officers with AR-15s surrounding his Alabama home after a false report of “three men executing everybody” inside. Radio host Joe Pagliarulo had a similar experience in Texas, with police sneaking up on his house in the dead of night. Both men say these attacks are meant to silence them—or worse. “They wanted police to kill my father,” said podcaster Nick Sortor after his family was swatted.
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is now treating these swattings as potential domestic terrorism. Patel warned that weaponizing law enforcement against conservatives “jeopardizes lives” and won’t be tolerated. Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, now deputy FBI director, is pushing to classify swatting as terrorism—a move that would unleash federal resources to hunt perpetrators.
States are stepping up too. Indiana’s Senate Bill 198 aims to close legal loopholes by defining swatting as a felony. A bipartisan federal bill proposes 20-year prison sentences for swatters, especially if injuries occur. Representative Mike Ezell, a former cop, said, “Swatting wastes resources and risks innocent lives. We’re done playing games.”
Local sheriffs like Tarrant County’s Bill Waybourn urge conservatives to build relationships with law enforcement before trouble hits. “Meet your deputies. Tell them your family’s routine. That way, if a fake call comes in, they’ll know something’s off,” Waybourn advised. He confirmed Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi is “all in” on prosecuting swatters to the fullest extent.
Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel are coordinating with Congressman Clay Higgins’ federal investigation into these attacks. Higgins bluntly called it “political violence” and demanded answers from the DOJ. Meanwhile, victims report eerie patterns—like unsolicited pizza deliveries showing up right before swatting calls, possibly to confirm their home addresses.
Everyday Americans aren’t safe either. Chad Caton, a South Carolina dad, was handcuffed in his boxers after a midnight swatting call. “The left wants us disarmed and scared,” he said. “But we won’t back down.”
While no arrests have been made yet, the tide is turning. With new laws, federal probes, and leaders like Patel and Bondi taking charge, conservatives are fighting back. As one victim put it, “These cowards won’t win. We’re turning their terror into our resolve.”
