Chairman Clay Higgins is launching a major investigation into the alarming rise of politically motivated “swatting” incidents targeting conservatives. This dangerous form of harassment, which manipulates emergency services to send armed police to innocent people’s homes, has become a serious concern for Republican lawmakers who believe it’s being used to silence conservative voices.
At a glance:
- Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, has launched an investigation into politically motivated “swatting” attacks
- Swatting involves making false emergency calls to trigger armed police responses at victims’ homes
- Higgins has requested briefings from Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel
- The investigation specifically focuses on swatting incidents targeting individuals based on their conservative political views
- The DOJ and FBI have been asked to provide a staff-level briefing by April 9, 2025
Higgins Demands Accountability for Attacks on Conservatives
Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement Chairman Clay Higgins took decisive action and launched an investigation into the disturbing trend of “swatting” attacks specifically targeting conservatives. The Louisiana Republican’s investigation comes amid growing concerns that these dangerous pranks are being weaponized against individuals based on their political affiliations. There have been several such attacks in recent months, targeting well-known Republicans including Georgia firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Higgins has formally requested information from Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the federal government’s efforts to address these politically motivated attacks. Swatting incidents involve pranksters making false emergency calls that trigger heavily armed police responses to unsuspecting victims’ homes.
Federal Agencies Under Pressure to Respond
The investigation specifically seeks answers from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation about their current efforts to investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators accountable. Chairman Higgins has requested a comprehensive staff-level briefing to gain insight into the federal response.
In his official letter to the DOJ and FBI, Higgins stressed the urgent nature of addressing these attacks. The request for a briefing by April 9 points to the seriousness with which the Subcommittee views the issue.
The investigation comes at a time when law enforcement officials nationwide have reported an alarming increase in swatting incidents targeting government officials and public figures.
Growing Concern Over Political Intimidation Tactics
Swatting has evolved from a dangerous prank into what some Republicans are now describing as a form of political terrorism designed to intimidate and silence conservative voices.
Law enforcement experts have warned that these incidents create potentially lethal situations where confused homeowners may react defensively to unexpected police presence, or officers might use force based on false information. The House Oversight Committee’s involvement signals growing recognition of swatting as a serious national security and civil rights concern.
