WASHINGTON — Authorities responded to a potential “swatting” attack at the home of Tanya Chutkan, the federal judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s election interference case. Police and fire trucks arrived at Chutkan’s residence after receiving false reports of a shooting. Although Chutkan was home at the time, she was unharmed, and police found no evidence of any crime.
The origins of the emergency call remain unknown. “Swatting” involves making a false report to law enforcement in order to draw a response to a specific location.
Chutkan is presiding over Special Counsel Jack Smith’s federal election interference case against Trump. The judge herself has faced threats in the past. Last August, a Texas woman was arrested for transmitting threats against Chutkan via interstate communication.
The incident at Chutkan’s home comes amid an increase in threats against judges nationwide. Colorado Supreme Court justices, who ruled that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s primary ballot this year, have also faced threats. The FBI is investigating these threats and working to address them.
Trump has previously targeted Chutkan on social media, posting disparaging messages about her and others involved in the case. Chutkan imposed a gag order on Trump to prevent him from targeting Smith, prosecutors, and potential witnesses. A federal appeals court later narrowed the scope of the gag order.
Trump’s trial in the election interference case is scheduled to begin in March, pending a Supreme Court ruling on his presidential immunity claim. In recent years, judges have increasingly faced threats and attacks, leading to the passage of legislation to enhance their security and privacy.
In conclusion, an attempted “swatting” attack occurred at the home of Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the election interference case against Donald Trump. While Chutkan was unharmed, the incident highlights the growing threats faced by judges and the need for increased security measures. Authorities are investigating the incident and working to address the broader issue of threats against judges nationwide.