FBI: Trump Cabinet Picks Targeted With Death Threats

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Facts

  • The transition team for US Pres.-elect Donald Trump has reported that multiple nominees for his incoming administration were targeted with "violent, unAmerican threats" and "swatting" incidents on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.[1]
  • The FBI confirmed it was aware of "numerous bomb threats" targeting the appointees and is working with law enforcement partners to investigate these incidents, which included false emergency calls.[2]
  • Notable targets included UN Ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik, Environmental Protection Administration lead pick Lee Zeldin, and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, with Zeldin reporting his threat contained a "pro-Palestinian themed message."[3][4]
  • The White House stated Pres. Joe Biden "continues to monitor the situation closely," and his administration is in touch with federal law enforcement and Trump's transition team.[5]
  • None of the targeted individuals were under Secret Service protection during the incidents. However, law enforcement agencies swiftly coordinated their responses to ensure the safety of those targeted.[6]
  • The threats come months after an attempt on Trump's life at a Pennsylvanian rally and follow another incident that saw a man charged with attempted assassination after allegedly positioning himself with a rifle outside one of Trump's Florida golf courses.[7][8][9]

Sources: [1]CNN, [2]Breitbart, [3]Al Jazeera, [4]BBC News, [5]NPR Online News, [6]New York Post, [7]The Guardian, [8]National Review and [9]Reuters.

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News and PJ Media. These coordinated attacks represent a dangerous escalation of political intimidation tactics that threaten the democratic process and the safety of public servants and their families. The timing and scale of these threats suggest an organized attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power and deter qualified individuals from serving in government.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by PBS NewsHour and The New York Times. The threats follow a political campaign marked by unprecedented violence. However, these incidents are routine occurrences that often target high-profile people, regardless of political affiliation. Similar threats have previously targeted Democratic officials, judges, and even Trump critics, suggesting this isn't a partisan issue but rather a broader problem of modern political discourse.