Maine Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, was the latest victim of a fake emergency call to the police, resulting in officers responding to her residence. This incident occurred shortly after she made the decision to remove former President Donald Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot under the US Constitution’s insurrection clause.
Bellows was not at home when the false call was made, and law enforcement found nothing suspicious upon arrival. The swatting attempt comes as part of a disturbing trend targeting elected officials, with the intent of summoning a large first responder presence to their homes.
Another high-profile politician, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, was also a target of a swatting attempt at her Georgia residence on Christmas morning. These incidents are part of a disturbing pattern, with threats being extended to public officials through various means, including threatening communications and posting personal addresses on social media.
Despite these intimidations, both Bellows and Greene have remained resolute, with Bellows asserting that the intimidation tactics will not deter her from upholding the rule of law and the constitution.
In response to this growing concern, states are contemplating stronger penalties for suspects involved in swatting cases. Maine’s Department of Public Safety, along with law enforcement partners, is providing special attention to all appropriate locations to address this issue.
The swatting attempt aimed at Bellows is believed to be in response to her decision to remove Trump from the ballot. This decision has led to the Trump campaign announcing plans to appeal to Maine’s state courts, with Bellows suspending her ruling until their decision is made.
Swatting attempts have also been made against other high-profile politicians, including U.S. Senator Rick Scott of Florida, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Despite the ongoing intimidation efforts, Bellows and other impacted politicians remain steadfast in their commitment to fulfilling their duties and upholding the democratic process.