Multiple Bomb Threats Target Trump’s Cabinet Nominees and Appointees
The FBI has confirmed numerous bomb threats and “swatting” incidents targeting several of Donald Trump’s potential administration members. These threats occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, prompting immediate law enforcement investigations.
Elise Stefanik, Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to the United Nations, was the first to publicly disclose being targeted. She was informed of the bomb threat while traveling with her husband and three-year-old son from Washington to New York for Thanksgiving.
Other confirmed targets include:
1. Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, whose home was threatened according to New York police.
2. Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, received a “pipe bomb threat” with a “pro-Palestinian themed message”. Zeldin confirmed his family was safe and praised local officers’ swift response.
3. Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from consideration as US attorney general, was targeted at his former address in Niceville, Florida. The sheriff’s office reported that while a threat was made, no devices were found after a thorough search of the property and surrounding area.
Fox News additionally reported that John Ratcliffe, Trump’s CIA director nominee, and defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth were also among those targeted.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, acknowledged multiple targets and emphasized that law enforcement acted quickly to ensure safety. The FBI has not publicly identified all individuals involved.
These incidents represent a concerning escalation of potential political intimidation, targeting high-profile political figures and their families. The threats come during a sensitive political period, with tensions running high following recent political events.
Local law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these bomb threats, treating them with utmost seriousness despite the lack of actual explosive devices being discovered. The “swatting” tactics, which involve making false emergency calls to provoke a significant police response, add an additional layer of complexity to these investigations.
The widespread nature of these threats suggests a coordinated effort to intimidate Trump’s potential administration members, though no specific group or individual has been identified as responsible.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The incidents underscore the ongoing challenges of political polarization and the potential for targeted harassment of public figures.
As investigations continue, the affected individuals and their families have emphasized their safety and cooperation with law enforcement in addressing these serious threats.
