Indiana senator swatted hours after Trump called him a 'Rino' over redistricting

VIGO, INDIANA: An Indiana state senator was the victim of a swatting incident on Sunday, November 16, just hours after President Donald Trump publicly criticized him and other Republican lawmakers for refusing to redraw the state’s congressional map.

Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell said an email was sent to a local police department “advising harm had been done to persons inside a home,” which turned out to be the address of State Sen Greg Goode.

“Attempts were initially unsuccessful to raise anyone at the residence, but ultimately contact was made with persons inside the home,” Fell said.

“All persons were secure, safe, and unharmed. Investigation showed that this was a prank or false email (also known as ‘swatting’),” he added.

Trump pressures GOP lawmakers to redraw Indiana map

Earlier on Sunday, Trump blasted Goode and other Indiana Republicans on Truth Social for declining to pursue a new congressional map designed to benefit the GOP in the 2026 midterms.

His criticism followed state Senate Republican leader Rodric Bray’s announcement on Friday that there was not enough support to move forward with redistricting.

In a Truth Social post, Trump singled out Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and State Sen Greg Goode, calling them “RINO Senators” who were standing in the way of potential Republican gains.

He claimed that their reluctance to act could cost the party its House majority in the next Congress.

“Very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans… for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats,” Trump wrote.

"Senators Bray, Goode, and the others to be released to the public later this afternoon, should DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW! if not, let’s get them out of office, ASAP," he concluded.

Goode’s spokesperson, Lance Gideon, said before the swatting incident that the senator “would not take a public stance unless and until he saw an officially introduced map and legislation on the floor of the State Senate,” and “respectfully maintains that position.”

Greg Goode claims that the incident reflects a ‘volatile’ political climate

Goode said that the deputies responded believing that there was a domestic violence emergency. He praised them for their professionalism.

“While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflective of the volatile nature of our current political environment, I give thanks to God that my family and I are ok,” he said. He also thanked the sheriff, the local police chief, and the first responders for their quick response.

Sheriff Fell said that his office is working with federal authorities to identify who was responsible.

“A false or prank call of this nature will never be acceptable,” Fell said. “Not only do calls like this waste and reduce the resources of deputies serving and protecting other parts of our county, they have a negative impact on the victim and their families as well.”

Sen Todd Young also condemned the swatting as “shameful and cowardly,” adding that he was grateful that no one was injured and praised law enforcement’s professionalism.