Matt Gaetz, Elise Stefanik among Trump's top cabinet nominees target of bomb threats: 'Will not deter us'
WASHINGTON, DC: Several of Donald Trump's top cabinet nominees and their families faced bomb and swatting threats on Tuesday night, November 26, and Wednesday, November 27, according to reports and officials.
These threats reportedly targeted multiple high-profile figures nominated for key roles in Trump’s incoming administration.
Pete Hegseth, nominated as defense secretary, as well as Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman from New York nominated to be the US ambassador to the United Nations, were among the targets, according to The Guardian.
Elise Stefanik’s office confirms bomb threat amid heightened security
Elise Stefanik’s office reported that she was subjected to a bomb threat, which was immediately addressed by law enforcement.
"This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their three-year-old son were driving home to Saratoga County from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence," the officer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Office of Chairwoman Stefanik released the following statement:
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) November 27, 2024
“This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their three year old son were driving home to Saratoga County from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their…
"New York State, county law enforcement, and US Capitol police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," Stefanik's office stated.
Matt Gaetz, who had been considered Trump’s first choice for US attorney general before withdrawing from the role, was also among those reportedly targeted.
NEWS: A bomb squad is responding to the Florida home of former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz after he received a pipe bomb threat, I’m told.
— Melanie Zanona (@MZanona) November 27, 2024
After the sheriff was made aware of the threat, a bomb-sniffing dog was brought over to sniff the mail box, but it was inconclusive. So that’s why…
Donald Trump's spokeswoman addresses 'violent, unAmerican threats' against nominees
Donald Trump’s transition team spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the threats in a statement. The transition team condemned the threats as attempts to intimidate.
“The nominees and appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them. These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting,’” said Leavitt.
The Trump/Vance Transition confirms that multiple cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted last night and this morning with violent bomb threats while others were "swatted."
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 27, 2024
Law enforcement acted quickly to ensure their safety.
Despicable behavior. pic.twitter.com/FFkJdvaBVU
She also noted that Trump’s team remained undeterred, saying, “President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future."
"With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us," she added.
FBI investigating bomb and swathing threats against Trump's top picks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a statement confirming it investigated the incidents in cooperation with law enforcement.
“The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners," FBI said in a statement.
"We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement,” they added.
However, NBC News reported that the threats were not credible, citing three FBI officials.
The network reported that no devices or physical dangers were discovered, and the threats did not involve Secret Service protectees such as Trump or Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Assassination attempts against Donald Trump during his campaign
These threats come in the wake of two assassination attempts on Donald Trump during his election campaign.
On July 13, a shooter opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and injuring two others. Trump was grazed by the gunfire but was largely unharmed.
On September 15, another suspect was apprehended while pointing a gun toward Trump’s Mar-a-Lago golf course, where Trump was golfing at the time.
Both incidents prompted enhanced security measures for Trump and Democratic rival Kamala Harris, with Trump often appearing behind bulletproof glass at rallies.
