FBI Confronts Surge In Swatting Against Celebrities

As swatting incidents rise, the FBI under Director Kash Patel commits to curtail these dangerous hoaxes targeting public figures.

Key Insights

The FBI is probing an increase in swatting attacks on conservative media figures.
Swatting falsely reports emergencies, resulting in armed police being dispatched.
Director Kash Patel coordinates with local enforcement to counteract the trend.
Notable victims include Chase Geiser, Joe Pagliarulo, and Gunther Eagleman.

Rise of Swatting Incidents

Swatting is a perilous hoax involving making false reports to law enforcement, causing an emergency response unit to be unnecessarily dispatched. Conservative media figures have become recent targets. The FBI is treating these swatting incidents as forms of domestic terrorism and promises thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice. Local and federal law enforcement agencies are feeling the mounting pressure from these deceitful calls.

The conservative media landscape bore witness to multiple swatting instances, sparking an outcry across the sector. Within a single day, at least 10 incidents were reported. Victims with high-profile social media presences, such as Chase Geiser, recounted encounters with unnecessary police responses initiated by false information. The fallout from these events is not only dangerous but strains critical emergency services.

I want to address the alarming rise in ‘Swatting’ incidents targeting media figures. The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

This isn’t about politics—weaponizing law enforcement…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 14, 2025

FBI’s Investigative Measures

FBI Director Kash Patel publicly stated his commitment to address the rising tide of swatting attacks: “I want to address the alarming rise in ‘Swatting’ incidents targeting media figures.” The severity of these actions galvanized his and his team’s efforts to coordinate with law enforcement to mitigate such threats.

“The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable,” Patel further said.

As part of the crackdown, the FBI bolstered its efforts to pinpoint the culprits and expand investigative activities, focusing on safeguarding public figures. Additionally, affected personalities like InfoWars host Chase Geiser have made their ordeals public, emphasizing the gravity of the swatting trend.

ALERT: FBI has investigated at least 500 "swatting" incidents since May

More than a dozen targeting public officials during Christmas week

Targets included Members of Congress, Judge Tanya Chutkan, Jack Smith, Marjorie Taylor Greene and… the White House

Just filed =====> https://t.co/KQiZCGr6ox

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) January 19, 2024

Personal Accounts and Consequences

Media figures such as Joe Pagliarulo and radio host Gunther Eagleman have been at the forefront of these incidents. Pagliarulo noted his security footage capturing a man with a rifle, while Eagleman noted “a fake hostage situation” was called in at his home.

The FBI plans to keep affected individuals informed and encourages them to fortify ties with local law enforcement, as noted by the Department of Homeland Security. Without arrests thus far, Director Patel emphasized the moral danger of these malicious acts and their endangerment to public safety.