An Indiana lawmaker, state Sen. Greg Goode, became a victim of a swatting incident on Sunday after opposing President Donald Trump's call to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The swatting call reported a fake emergency at Goode's home in Terre Haute, prompting sheriff’s deputies to respond. This incident unfolded just hours after Trump publicly criticized Goode and another state senator, Rodric Bray, for their resistance to his redistricting efforts.
Trump has been actively urging Republican-led states to redraw their congressional maps to ensure the GOP maintains control of the U.S. House in the upcoming midterm elections. The pressure has intensified as Democrats only need to gain three seats to regain control. On this occasion, a false email claimed that harm had occurred inside Goode's residence, leading the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office to dispatch deputies to the scene.
Upon investigation, it was determined that there was no real threat, and all individuals present were safe. Goode later communicated on social media that the deputies arrived under the impression they were responding to a domestic violence situation, expressing gratitude for their professional handling of the incident. He described the occurrence as "unfortunate" and an indication of the "volatile nature" of the current political landscape.
Earlier that same day, Trump had criticized both Goode and Bray in a post on his social media platform, stating that their political correctness could negatively impact the Republican majority in the House, which he noted was a "VERY BIG DEAL." This criticism coincided with the Indiana Senate's decision, announced the previous Friday, to halt voting on redistricting plans due to insufficient support from Republican members, despite pressure from the White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance.
Democrats are making strategic moves to counteract Trump's efforts, with some states, including California and Virginia, preparing to redraw their congressional maps in favor of Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, Republican-led legislatures in states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio have adopted new congressional maps aimed at improving Republican odds in the elections.
The method of swatting—originating from making false claims of violence to elicit a rapid and forceful police response—has been problematic, particularly in the current heated political climate. As demonstrated by this incident, it poses significant risks not just to those targeted but also to law enforcement who must respond to these fraudulent emergencies.
Overall, the swatting incident against Goode highlights the complex interplay of political tensions and the lengths to which some individuals may go in response to legislative disagreements. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, as authorities seek to hold accountable those responsible for such dangerous and disruptive actions.
