Swatting incidents targeting Republican influencers surge nationwide

In the early hours of the morning, Erin Derham was startled awake by loud banging on her door. When she opened it, she was met by a police officer in a bulletproof vest, holding a gun. The officer's arrival was part of a dangerous prank known as “swatting,” where someone makes a false emergency call to send police to another person's home. Erin and her husband, Matt Van Swol, were targeted along with many other Republican influencers. Over the last two weeks, more than a dozen cases of swatting have been reported, mainly involving Trump supporters. The FBI is now investigating this troubling trend, as swatting can lead to tragic outcomes. In 2017, a man was shot dead in a similar incident, highlighting the serious risks involved. Erin described the experience as terrifying, especially with her children nearby. She was aware of the swatting trend and had warned local police that her family might be at risk. The couple had become known for their activism after Hurricane Helene, gaining a following online, which may have made them targets. Several others in the media have reported similar experiences. Larry Taunton, a conservative podcaster, was also surprised by armed police at his home. He expressed that people are being targeted for their political beliefs, creating a dangerous situation. Local law enforcement is working with the FBI to address these incidents. Officials have acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that maintaining public safety is paramount.