An Indiana lawmaker who resisted President Donald Trump's push for Republicans to redraw the state's congressional boundaries was the target of a Sunday call that brought sheriff's deputies to his home.
The call, in which someone reported a false emergency at the home of Terre Haute state Sen. Greg Good, came hours after Trump criticized the lawmaker and another state senator for their opposition to his plan. Trump is trying to persuade Republican-led states across the country to aggressively redraw their congressional maps to help the GOP hold the U.S. House of Representatives in next year's midterm elections.
According to a statement from the Vigo County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to Goode's home after receiving an email “reporting that occupants of the home had been harmed.”
“All occupants were safe, secure and uninjured. The investigation revealed that this was a prank or a hoax email (also known as 'swatting'),” the statement said. The incident is under investigation.
Goode, a Republican, wrote on social media that the deputies who responded “had the impression of a domestic violence emergency.” He thanked the deputies for their professional actions.
“While this entire incident is unfortunate and reflects the volatile nature of our current political situation, I thank God that I and my family are okay,” Goode wrote.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump criticized Goode and Indiana Senate President Rodrick Bray for opposing Indiana's redistricting plan. Republicans already have a 7-2 advantage in the state's congressional delegation.
“Because of these two politically correct “gentlemen” and a few others, they could take away the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, and that is a BIG DONE!” Trump wrote about this on his social network.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The purpose of swatting is to force authorities, especially the SWAT team, to respond to the address by making false claims of violence occurring within.
The Indiana Senate Republican leader announced Friday that his chamber will no longer meet to vote on redistricting, citing a lack of support from its members even after pressure from the White House. Vice President J.D. Vance came here several times to make the case.
Democrats need to gain just three seats to take control of the House next year, which would lead to Trump strengthening GOP-controlled states. Legislatures and commissions in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio have passed new maps to boost Republicans' chances, while California and Virginia are poised to resist Trump's onslaught and redraw their own maps in Democrats' favor.
