FBI confirms Trump cabinet picks targeted with bomb threats, ‘swatting’
Al Jazeera1 day
FBI: Trump Cabinet Picks Targeted With Death Threats
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Above: Donald Trump (L) with Lee Zeldin at the Drexelbrook Catering & Event Center on Oct. 2, 2024 in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The transition team for US Pres.-elect Donald Trump has reported that multiple nominees for his incoming administration were targeted with "violent, unAmerican threats" and "swatting" incidents on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
The FBI confirmed it was aware of "numerous bomb threats" targeting the appointees and is working with law enforcement partners to investigate these incidents, which included false emergency calls.
The Spin
Republican narrative
These coordinated attacks represent a dangerous escalation of political intimidation tactics that threaten the democratic process and the safety of public servants and their families. The timing and scale of these threats suggest an organized attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power and deter qualified individuals from serving in government.
Democratic narrative
The threats follow a political campaign marked by unprecedented violence. However, these incidents are routine occurrences that often target high-profile people, regardless of political affiliation. Similar threats have previously targeted Democratic officials, judges, and even Trump critics, suggesting this isn't a partisan issue but rather a broader problem of modern political discourse.
