GOP Sens. Spencer Deery, Dan Dernulc and Rick Niemeyer are three victims of attempted swattings as early redistricting supporters turn up the heat on opponents and undecided lawmakers. Photo from Indiana Senate Republicans.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — As talk around redistricting continues in Indiana, state and federal investigators are examining a series of swatting incidents targeting Indiana lawmakers as authorities confirmed that five state senators have been victims. The FBI has joined the Indiana State Police as the number of cases has grown and concerns have intensified about potential motives and public safety risks.

Lawmakers recently announced that the Indiana House would meet Monday, Dec. 1 to convene on redistricting, while the Senate would meet a week later, Dec. 8. The senate had previously voted not to meet on the issue, despite a directive from Gov. Mike Braun to convene for a special session.

State police describe swatting as a false emergency report intended to trigger a large and chaotic law enforcement response at a specific location. Senators Greg Goode, Dan Dernulc, Spencer Deery, Rick Niemeyer and Kyle Walker, all Republicans, have reported being targeted in recent days.

The first to report a swatting attempt was Goode of Terre Haute, hours after Trump called him out by name as a “RINO,” or “Republican in name only,” in a post to Truth Social Sunday, Nov. 16.

““Very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans, led by RINO Senators Rod Bray and Greg Goode, for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats,” Trump wrote.

Several incidents involved fabricated claims of domestic violence or threats against responding officers. In at least one case, the false report followed an unsolicited pizza delivery intended to signal that the caller knew Goode’s home address.

Besides swatting, Gov. Mike Braun and Sen. Andy Zay of Huntingon, who are supportive of redistricting, have also reported threats. Zay reported a bomb threat at his vehicle leasing business Friday, Nov. 27.

“Sometimes you’re not ‘yes’ enough for some of our friends on the right, and when you get this mob mentality going, you know, it’s a little challenging,” Zay told a reporter for the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

Investigators have not determined whether the incidents are connected, how many people may be involved or whether the calls originated in Indiana. The FBI is providing technical support to help trace the threats, which authorities say could result in significant state or federal charges.

Law enforcement officials note that swatting can place both officers and targeted individuals in immediate danger and will be treated as a serious criminal matter.

The threats emerged as political tensions rise over redistricting, although officials have not confirmed any link between the calls and the ongoing debate. Legal experts say state penalties for swatting can reach felony levels and that Congress is considering legislation that would create additional federal consequences.

Lawmakers who have come forward say the attempts amount to political intimidation, while investigators work to identify suspects and prevent further incidents.