FBI Investigates Series of Swatting Incidents Targeting Indiana Governor and State Lawmakers

State and federal law enforcement agencies have launched a joint investigation into a coordinated series of “swatting” incidents targeting Indiana Governor Mike Braun and several state legislators. The false emergency calls, designed to solicit an armed police response to a specific location under false pretenses, have coincided with rising political tensions surrounding the state’s redistricting negotiations.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed its active participation in the probe alongside the Indiana State Police. Timothy O’Malley, the special agent in charge of the case, emphasized that authorities do not view these incidents as harmless pranks but as serious criminal acts. “We have technical resources, so we can help track down people, no matter where they are,” O’Malley stated. He warned that investigators are prepared to pursue perpetrators regardless of whether they are operating from within Indiana or from overseas locations.

Governor Braun condemned the threats, which recently targeted his own family, as “unacceptable.” In a statement addressing the situation, Braun said, “Enough is enough. These threats to lawmakers, including those received by me and my family in recent days, need to stop.” He assured the public that law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to protect elected officials and bring those responsible to justice.

Several state senators have publicly confirmed they were victims of similar attacks. State Senator Greg Goode reported that a false emergency call resulted in him and his family being forced to evacuate their Terre Haute home at gunpoint. The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies responded to a dispatch alleging harm had been done to persons inside the residence. Goode described the incident as reflective of the “volatile nature of our current political environment.”

State Senator Spencer Deery and State Senator Dan Dernulc also reported being targeted. Deery noted that the West Lafayette police were able to quickly identify the call to his home as an attempted swatting, preventing a physical confrontation. Investigators have not yet confirmed a definitive link between the threats or established the geographic origin of the calls.

Investigative Scope and Public Safety Implications

The escalation of swatting calls against high-ranking state officials highlights a growing intersection between cybercrime and political intimidation. By diverting tactical law enforcement resources to non-existent emergencies, these acts create high-liability situations that endanger both the targets and responding officers. The FBI’s involvement suggests that the investigation will rely heavily on digital forensics to trace the sophisticated routing often used to mask such calls. While no specific suspects have been named, federal statutes regarding false distress calls carry severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to these threats.