At least four Democratic representatives from Connecticut were targeted with b*mb threats while celebrating Thanksgiving with their families, they revealed on Thursday.
Representatives Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, John Larson, and Jahana Hayes all issued statements confirming the threats, which prompted immediate responses from law enforcement.
Fortunately, no evidence of b*mbs was found in any of the cases, and all four lawmakers assured the public that their families were safe.
These incidents occurred just a day after several of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administration appointees faced similar threats. The president-elect’s transition team labeled these actions as “violent and un-American threats.”
According to an official familiar with the investigations, threats like these have become increasingly common in recent years, often involving individuals using scripts to target lawmakers for attention or amusement.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are treating these threats seriously.
In a statement released Wednesday, the FBI acknowledged “numerous b*mb threats and swatting incidents” targeting government officials and promised thorough investigations. The agency also urged the public to report any suspicious activity promptly.
Swatting, a criminal hoax where false reports of emergencies like bomb threats are made to provoke a law enforcement response, has become a concerning trend.
In today’s politically charged climate, such threats have spanned across ideological lines, affecting individuals of varying political affiliations. For instance, Special Counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan, both involved in federal cases against Donald Trump, have also been victims of swatting incidents.
Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, condemned the threats, calling for civility during the holiday season. “There is no place for political violence in this country,” Himes said.
Similarly, Representative John Larson expressed relief that his colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional Delegation were unharmed, while Representatives Courtney and Hayes also denounced political violence in their statements.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, a CNN contributor, noted that such threats are now an unfortunate reality for anyone in high-profile or controversial roles.
“Even though most of these threats turn out to be hoaxes, law enforcement cannot afford to ignore them,” McCabe explained, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
This rise in politically motivated threats highlights the ongoing tension in the U.S., especially as partisan divides deepen.
However, despite these attempts to intimidate, lawmakers continue to denounce violence and promote dialogue, urging Americans to uphold peace and respect during a time traditionally reserved for gratitude and unity.