Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) have introduced the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act, legislation aimed at curbing the dangerous practice of “swatting.” The bill specifically targets false crime reports designed to provoke emergency law enforcement responses at a targeted location, imposing strict penalties on those found guilty of such hoaxes.
The proposed bill expands the federal criminal hoax statute to explicitly prohibit swatting, which has become an alarming trend nationwide.
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Key provisions include:
- Up to 20 years in prison for swatting incidents that result in serious injuries.
- Enhanced federal authority to prosecute individuals who engage in swatting, ensuring tougher consequences for these malicious acts.
The legislation has garnered endorsements from the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and the National Sheriffs’ Association. Congressman David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) is leading the effort in the House of Representatives.
Senator Rick Scott, who has personally experienced swatting attempts, expressed his outrage over the practice.
“The cowards behind ‘swatting’ calls intentionally waste the time and resources of law enforcement and put people in danger in an attempt to inflict fear in communities and terrorize their targets,” Scott said. “It’s absolutely despicable, and those responsible must face real consequences for their actions. Swatters have attempted attacks on my family’s home, the homes of public officials, Trump administration nominees, and so many others—it has to stop.”
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Senator Tommy Tuberville also recounted personal experiences with swatting.
“My home was swatted twice around Christmas last year in a dangerous attempt to intimidate my family and me,” Tuberville said. “Our brave men and women in blue shouldn’t have to use valuable time and resources answering hoax calls when they could be protecting communities and getting criminals off the street.”
Law enforcement organizations have praised the proposed legislation for addressing a practice that jeopardizes public safety. Swatting incidents often escalate quickly, putting both law enforcement and innocent civilians at risk. In some cases, swatting has resulted in fatalities and traumatic consequences for victims.
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Swatting has increasingly been used as a tool of intimidation and harassment, often targeting high-profile individuals, including public officials, celebrities, and private citizens. By criminalizing this behavior at the federal level and imposing stringent penalties, lawmakers hope to deter swatting and send a clear message about the serious consequences of such actions.
The bill now moves to the Senate for debate, with its proponents optimistic about bipartisan support. If passed, it would represent a significant step forward in protecting communities and supporting law enforcement in their mission to ensure public safety.
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