The presidential team of US President-elect Donald Trump has said that several of his Cabinet nominees and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and attacks through “swatting” (calling the police under false pretences). This was reported by Caroline Levitt, a spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, on Wednesday. The FBI is investigating the incidents, the Associated Press reports.
“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees received violent, anti-American threats against their lives and the lives of their loved ones,” Levitt said in a statement.
The attacks included telephone bomb threats and “swatting”, where attackers falsely call law enforcement to endanger a target. This tactic has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Levitt noted that law enforcement and other services responded quickly to ensure the safety of the victims. “President Trump and his team are grateful for their quick response,” she added.
Among those attacked were:
- Alice Stefanik, a representative from New York, was chosen by Trump to be the US ambassador to the UN;
- Matt Goetz, nominated for the post of Attorney General;
- Laurie Chavez-DeRemer, candidate for the post of head of the Ministry of Labour;
- Lee Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, has been nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency.
The FBI has launched an investigation, but it is not yet known who may be behind the threats. Trump’s press service condemned the attacks as an attempt to intimidate and undermine the democratic process.
