Law enforcement swiftly responded to bomb threats and swatting incidents aimed at key figures in Donald Trump's upcoming administration. Elise Stefanik, selected by Trump as the U.N. ambassador, was among those targeted after revealing that her family had received a bomb threat. Despite ongoing security concerns, the Trump transition team condemned the threats as acts of intimidation and vowed not to let them derail their efforts.
Several individuals chosen for important roles in Trump’s administration faced bomb threats and swatting attacks, a spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday. These incidents occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, prompting immediate law enforcement action.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump transition team, described the threats as “dangerous acts of intimidation,” highlighting bomb threats and swatting—false crime reports designed to provoke armed police responses.
Elise Stefanik Among the Targets
Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and a U.S. Representative from New York, disclosed that her family had received a bomb threat. According to Reuters, Stefanik was traveling from Washington, D.C., to her home in Saratoga County, New York, when law enforcement notified her of the threat. She praised U.S. Capitol Police, county law enforcement, and New York State officials for their prompt and professional response to the situation.
Other Targets Remain Unnamed
Leavitt refrained from naming other targets or providing specific details about the threats, citing ongoing investigations. However, an FBI spokesperson confirmed that multiple incidents of swatting and bomb threats directed at incoming government officials had occurred, according to Reuters.
Trump Administration Faces Rising Tensions
These threats come amid heightened tensions following Trump’s election victory on November 5. Despite the alarming incidents, Leavitt emphasized that the transition team would not be deterred. "Dangerous intimidation will not stop us," she stated, referencing President Trump’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Trump has faced serious security threats in recent months, including an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July and another incident in Florida in September, where a suspect allegedly tried to shoot him near a golf course.
Pipe Bomb Sent to Lee Zeldin’s Home
In a related development, a pipe bomb was sent to the Shirley home of former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, whom Trump nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Suffolk County police responded to the bomb threat at Zeldin’s Saint George Drive residence shortly before 9 a.m. Authorities are investigating the scene, and Zeldin’s office confirmed that a pipe bomb was found with a politically charged message attached.
Zeldin, who was not home at the time, expressed relief that his family was safe. "We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops," he said, thanking local officers for their swift actions in ensuring the safety of his family and community. This incident follows a previous drive-by shooting outside Zeldin’s home two years ago during his unsuccessful gubernatorial bid against Gov. Kathy Hochul. The suspects in that case were later convicted and sentenced to prison.