Internet unmoved as Michelle Wu's home gets 'swatted' on Christmas weeks after controversial party

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu found herself at the center of a disturbing incident on Christmas Day when her home was targeted in an alleged swatting incident.

This comes just two weeks after she hosted a controversial holiday party for non-white members of the Boston City Council.

False alarm in Roslindale neighborhood

The Boston Police Department responded to a reported shooting and hostage situation at Wu’s residence in the city’s Roslindale neighborhood around 5.30 pm on Monday, December 25, as reported by WBUR.

The call was made through the city’s 311 information system, falsely claiming that a man had shot his wife inside Wu’s home and tied her up, alongside a second man.

Upon arrival, police and EMS crews quickly realized that the emergency call was a hoax, leaving Wu and her family shocked by the unexpected flash of lights at their doorstep. Despite the disruption, Wu commented, "For better or worse, my family is a bit used to it by now, and we have a good system with the department."

While it remains unclear whether Wu's two young sons were at home during the incident, she has been under scrutiny since it was revealed that she hosted an 'Electeds of Color' Holiday Party earlier in the month. The party invitation, intended for non-white council members, was mistakenly sent to all city councilors.

“I did send that to everyone by accident, and I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so,” Denise DosSantos, director of City Council relations for Wu, wrote in a follow-up email shortly after sending out the invitation. “Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.”

Wu defended the gathering, explaining that it had become a yearly tradition for the diverse group to celebrate the holidays together, with each person taking turns hosting. However, the controversy surrounding the event intensified when Wu released a photo from the party, further fueling the debate.

“I’ve been a part of a group that gathers, representing elected officials of color across all different levels of government in Massachusetts,” Wu stated at the time, per WCVB, “A group that has been in place for more than a decade, and the opportunity to create a space for people to celebrate and rotate who hosts.”

Monday's swatting incident is not the first time Wu has been targeted in this manner since taking office in November 2021.

She expressed concern about the frequency of such calls diverting resources away from actual emergencies, stating, "When there are true emergencies that happen and there are resources being deployed in this way, it is concerning."

People online think Michelle Wu 'swatted herself'

As news of Wu being swatted on Christmas was posted on X, many on social media were unmoved by the mayor's claims.

"I don't believe her," one posted on X (formerly Twitter). "She probably swatted herself… she’s like to divert attention it’s worth the risk to my family," another wrote.

"I think she is lying for attention and to gain support after the racist holiday party," a comment read. "She’ll say the cops are racist," someone else added.

"Bet she called the op in herself How else can she recover," another alleged.

Marjorie Taylor Greene was also swatted on Christmas

In a bizarre coincidence, right-wing Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene also fell victim to a swatting call on Christmas, marking the eighth time she has experienced such an incident.

Greene recounted the false report made to the Rome Police Department’s Suicide Hotline, which claimed a man had shot his wife and was threatening to kill himself at her residence.

“I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time,” she posted on Monday. “On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn’t have to deal with this."

She concluded, “I appreciate them so much and my family and I are in joyous spirits celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.”

Fortunately, dispatchers confirmed the falsity of the claim before law enforcement arrived, preventing an unnecessary response, the New York Post reported.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.