Representative Elissa Slotkin’s office said she was the victim of a “swatting” attack Thursday evening in which police were dispatched to her home in Holly Township based on a false police report.
Michigan State Police responded to Slotkin’s home after a “false threat” was sent via email to a local elected official, but Slotkin was not home at the time, said Lynsey Mukomel, a spokeswoman for the congresswoman.
MSP checked the Slotkins’ property and confirmed no one was in danger, she added. “This is the latest incident in a disturbing trend of swatting incidents against members of Congress,” Mukomel said.
“Congresswoman Slotkin is deeply grateful for law enforcement’s swift and professional response to this unfortunate incident and that the U.S. Capitol Police will continue to investigate and hopefully hold those responsible accountable.”
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MSP spokeswoman Shanon Banner said police officers were called to Slotkin’s residence late Thursday and confirmed it was a false call.
The practice of “swatting” elected officials has become a growing problem in recent months after several members of the U.S. Congress fell victim to this hoax, which typically involves someone making a fake call to 911 in order to trigger a large-scale police response to the home of a high-ranking official or celebrity.
According to media reports, dozens of members of Congress have been victims of “swatching” in recent months, including Republican U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota and Senator Rick Scott of Florida.
Republican Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton was also a victim of swatting, he told The Detroit News last month.
Other elected officials targeted include former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley and special counsel Jack Smith.
Slotkin, who is serving her third term in the House of Representatives, made headlines this week after winning the Democratic primary for Michigan’s vacant U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, defeating Hill Harper of Detroit by nearly 53 percentage points.
She will face Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton in the November general election in what could be one of the most competitive Senate races of the fall.
