Breaking: Trump Cabinet Picks Hit with Bomb Threats

novembre 27, 2024

A number of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks received bomb threats on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Trump transition team.

The individuals “were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. "These attacks ranged from bomb threats to 'swatting.'"

"Swatting" refers to a hoax call made to police feigning an emergency, drawing a heavy police response and SWAT teams to the given location. The threats were determined to be non-credible and may have simply been launched on social media.

In a statement, the FBI claimed it "is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement."

“President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” Leavitt said.

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanic, Trump's pick to be U.N. Ambassador, and Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump's initial pick for Attorney General who withdrew from consideration, both received threats.

"This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their three year old son were driving home to Saratoga County from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence," read a statement from Stefanick's office.

"New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism. We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7. We want to share our best wishes to the Upstate NY community for a happy and safe Thanksgiving. We are especially grateful to our law enforcement officers and military families who are on duty over the holiday season."

Meanwhile, a bomb squadron arrived at Gaetz's Florida residence after an initial bomb-sniffing dog from the Sheriff's office was unable to determine whether explosives were present.

"No devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results," said the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Trump's pick for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, was also targeted when New York State Troopers received an email warning Wednesday morning of a pipe bomb located in the mailbox of his Manhattan residence.

Trump has already been the target of at least two assassination attempts, having been shot in the ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July. There are also multiple reports of Iranian plots to harm the former president.

“With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us," Leavitt claimed.