Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) was the target of a swatting incident on Thursday, with Michigan State Police responding to a false emergency call at her home in Holly, Michigan. The call, which was later confirmed as a hoax, is part of a growing trend where false reports are made to prompt a significant law enforcement response.
Slotkin was not at home at the time of the incident, according to her spokeswoman, Lynsey Mukomel. Speaking to the Detroit News, Mukomel highlighted the disturbing trend of swatting incidents targeting members of Congress. “Congresswoman Slotkin is deeply grateful for the swift and professional response by law enforcement to this unfortunate incident, and that U.S. Capitol Police will be following up to investigate and hopefully hold accountable those responsible,” she said.
Swatting has become an increasingly common tactic used against public officials, with several elected representatives targeted during the past year. Earlier this year, a suspect was found to have made over 100 swatting calls, including those aimed at high-profile members of the Biden administration, such as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly.
Slotkin is currently engaged in a competitive race for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat, a position soon to be vacated by retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, Slotkin’s opponent, condemned the swatting incident, calling it “horrific” and expressing relief that Slotkin was unharmed. “I sincerely hope those responsible are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Rogers added.
