Trump Cabinet picks face bomb threats and swatting hoaxes

Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees faced bomb threats and “swatting attacks” on Tuesday night, according to the Trump transition team.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them,” said Karoline Leavitt, a Trump transition spokesperson, as reported by the Associated Press.

Swatting refers to a prank call intended to provoke a SWAT-like law enforcement response against a victim.

“In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted,” Leavitt also said. “President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action.”

The nominees targeted include the following, the AP reports:

• New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, nominated for United Nations ambassador;
• Matt Gaetz, Trump’s original nominee for Attorney General (who later withdrew);
• Lee Zeldin, nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency;
• Susie Wiles, chosen to be Trump’s chief of staff;
• Pam Bondi, nominated as Attorney General after Gaetz’s withdraw.