Internet weighs in as report says ex-tabloid publisher David Pecker was 'swatted' the day he testified in Trump's hush money trial

GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT: Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, who was the first witness to testify in Donald Trump's hush money trial, was targeted by a potentially dangerous "swatting" incident on the day of his testimony, as Reuters reported on Monday, May 6.

On April 25, a person using the name "Jamal" sent an email to a local newspaper claiming to have tied up their wife in the basement of their house and killed an individual, providing Pecker's address in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Due to Pecker's involvement in the high-profile case, law enforcement officials were already stationed at his residence. The Greenwich Police report, reviewed by Reuters, confirmed that there was no incident.

What is 'swatting' and why is it dangerous?

The criminal act of "swatting" has become a common form of internet harassment that involves making false reports to elicit a potentially dangerous police response, as per The Hill.

In December 2023 and January of this year, several lawmakers from both parties were targeted by a series of "swatting" incidents.

Pecker, a witness associated with Trump's hush money trial, falling victim to this practice, marked the first known instance of such an event occurring against someone connected to the former president's legal troubles.

The hush money case against the 77-year-old MAGA strongman revolves around allegations that he falsified business records to conceal a previous affair with Stormy Daniels and that he worked with Pecker on a "catch and kill" scheme to prevent the story from reaching the press in the weeks leading up to the 2016 general election.

During his testimony in April, the former National Enquirer publisher claimed that he buried the story of Trump's alleged affair and other stories to assist his presidential campaign.

"I made the decision to purchase the story because of the potential embarrassment it had to the campaign and to Mr Trump," testified Pecker.

Internet reacts to the 'swatting' attempt involving David Pecker

One said, "Imagine how the Trump Thugs are going to act once Trump loses the election. I only hope our Justice Dept protects our population," and another remarked, "Donald Trump’s domestic terrorist cult."

"There are NO coincidences with this regime. Banana Republic," declared a person. 

Someone else claimed, "Leftists are getting out of control," and an individual opined, "If the head of The National Enquirer is your witness, you have no case."

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.