Trump Nominees Targeted By Bomb Threat
Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and appointees for his incoming administration have been targeted by bomb threats. The FBI has acknowledged being aware of “numerous bomb threats” as well as “swatting incidents,” where prank calls are made to attract a police response to the target’s home.
New York Republican Elise Stefanik, who Trump has named to be the US ambassador to the United Nations, was the first to reveal that her family home had been targeted by a bomb threat. The incident occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, and police are currently investigating.
A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that several individuals had been targeted and that “law enforcement acted quickly to ensure” their safety. However, neither Leavitt nor the FBI disclosed the names of the targets.
Stefanik’s office disclosed that the congresswoman was informed of the bomb threat while driving with her husband and three-year-old son from Washington to New York for Thanksgiving.
Separately, the New York police informed the media that the home of Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, was also threatened.
Lee Zeldin, who Trump has nominated to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, confirmed that he was targeted, stating that a “pipe bomb threat” was sent to his home with a “pro-Palestinian themed message.” Zeldin expressed gratitude for the swift actions taken by local officers, which ensured the safety of his family.
Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, who recently dropped out of the running to become US attorney general, was also targeted. The sheriff’s office in Florida’s Okaloosa County confirmed that a bomb threat targeted Gaetz’s former address in the town of Niceville. A search of the area did not uncover any devices.
Reports also indicate that John Ratcliffe, Trump’s nominee to be director of the CIA, and defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth were also targeted in the wave of threats.
The FBI is currently investigating these incidents, and the motives behind the threats are not yet clear.
