Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said Thursday that his home and district office in Jackson were targeted by hoax calls known as “swatting,” continuing a troubling trend of anonymous attacks against politicians in Georgia and elsewhere.
“Last night, my home was ‘swatted.’ This morning, a bomb threat was called to my office. Thankfully everyone is safe, and I commend our local law enforcement officers for their professionalism,” Jones said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Let me be clear — I will not be intimidated by those attempting to silence me. We will put an end to this madness.”
Typically, the person behind a swatting attack calls 911 and pretends there is a violent crime in progress at the target’s home while hiding their own identity either through caller ID blocking or technological trickery. The prank is dangerous because it is intended to prompt an armed response from police who believe a crime is in progress.
Jones was targeted hours after pledging legislative action to address swatting when the Legislature returns to session next month. Over the past several days, at least four state senators and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have been victims of swatting.
Politicians across the nation have been targeted, prompting bipartisan calls for action. On Thursday, Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott posted on X that his home in Naples was targeted.
“These criminals wasted the time & resources of our law enforcement in a sick attempt to terrorize my family,” the former Republican governor wrote.
Such hoax calls typically are misdemeanor crimes in Georgia, so legislators may seek to increase penalties for swatting attacks in the coming months.
