FBI investigating bomb threats, ‘swatting’ against Trump Cabinet picks

The FBI said Wednesday that it was investigating bomb threats and “swatting” incidents against several of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees.

Agriculture Secretary-designate Brooke Rollins, U.S. Ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator-designate Lee Zeldin, Labor ​Secretary-designate Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Housing and Urban Development ​Secretary-designate Scott Turner said they were targets.

The FBI said it would coordinate with local law enforcement agencies that responded to the initial threats.

“We take all potential threats seriously and, as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement,” the FBI said.

Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, who first announced the incidents, said the future Cabinet and administration officials were “targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them.”

In swatting, someone reports a fake emergency, usually at a home, to produce a massive law enforcement response. The uproar it can cause is considered dangerous.

Ms. Leavitt said the incidents began Tuesday night. She did not identify the targets, though some came forward to identify themselves.

No one was harmed.

“Law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire transition team are grateful for their swift action,” said Ms. Leavitt, who is in line to be White House press secretary.

“President Trump and the transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future,” she said. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.”

Ms. Rollins credited police in Forth Worth, Texas, for responding to a threat “against our home and family.”

“We were unharmed and quickly returned home. I want to express my deep gratitude to the law-enforcement professionals who did their utmost, in both speed and expertise, to protect us — as they protect our community every single day,” she wrote on X.

Mr. Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, said he was the victim of a bomb threat.

“A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” Mr. Zeldin, who is Jewish, wrote on X. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.”

Ms. Stefanik, nominated as ambassador to the United Nations, was driving from Washington to her home in upstate New York with her husband and 3-year-old son when she was notified of a bomb threat against her residence.

“New York State, County law enforcement and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism,” according to her office. “We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7.”

Mr. Turner said his home was targeted on the “eve of Thanksgiving” and nothing would shake his resolve to serve on Mr. Trump’s team.

Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican congresswoman, said she received a pipe bomb threat at her Oregon home.

“This kind of violence harms not just the intended targets but entire communities,” she said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, said President Biden and other Democrats had an obligation to speak up and condemn the threats.

“This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump. Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats,” Mr. Johnson wrote on X. “This is dangerous and unhinged. It is not who we are in America.”

Mr. Trump has been filling his Cabinet with a flurry of nominations. Some are unconventional and could face tough questioning during the Senate confirmation process.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida withdrew his nomination for U.S. attorney general because of Senate opposition.