Second Swatting Attempt
Just two days after a fake emergency call at Nikki Haley’s South Carolina home, she became the target of another “swatting” attempt on New Year’s Day. In this incident, a person named “Rose” called 911, claiming that Haley had shot her daughter and was threatening self-harm. A Charleston County sheriff’s deputy responded, finding an unidentified woman at the door who matched Haley’s description. The deputy quickly realized it was a hoax. This second swatting attempt on January 1 had not been previously reported. The incidents occurred in Kiawah Island, a gated community where Haley resides. She is competing with former President Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. The first swatting incident was reported on December 30 when a man falsely claimed a shooting at Haley’s home.
Violent Threats:
The recent swatting incidents, including those against Nikki Haley, are part of a broader trend of violent threats and intimidation against government officials, judges, and election administrators since the 2020 election. U.S. law enforcement officials are deeply concerned about this surge in incidents leading up to the upcoming presidential contest.
Despite these alarming developments, Nikki Haley has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the sheriff’s office has not publicly identified any suspects in the hoax calls. Swatting, the act of filing false reports to trigger a potentially dangerous police response, is increasingly being used for intimidation and harassment against prominent figures, particularly those involved in cases related to Donald Trump.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Haley mentioned a second swatting attempt but did not provide specific details or the date. Swatting cases surged in the past two months, targeting individuals supportive and critical of Trump as the presidential campaign intensifies. The escalating harassment is a growing concern as it targets key figures in the democratic process. Public figures opposing Trump, such as Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and individuals handling cases against him, including judges and prosecutors, have faced swatting attempts. However, even Trump supporters, such as U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have faced similar threats.
Guns Drawn, Elderly Parents’ Home
In the December 30 incident at Nikki Haley’s residence, her elderly parents and their caretaker were present. Deputies responded to the incident and observed a silhouette through a second-floor window balcony. Prompted to action, they drew their weapons and ordered the individual to raise their hands.Two or possibly three individuals complied. Although the incident report did not identify them, Haley stated that deputies had pointed guns at her parents. The caretaker denied any shooting when approached by deputies. The homeowner, likely Haley, spoke to deputies on the phone. Someone identifying as “Travis” made the 911 call, but the occupants did not recognize the voice, and authorities couldn’t trace the call’s origin. In the January 1 incident, authorities determined the caller’s phone number. Haley and her husband purchased the Kiawah Island residence in October 2019 for $2.4 million, as indicated by local property records
