Media Swatting Probe Ongoing

On Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced an investigation into a wave of swatting incidents targeting prominent conservative media personalities, following reports of multiple attacks last week.

“I want to address the alarming rise in ‘Swatting’ incidents targeting media figures,” Patel posted on social media Friday morning. “The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.”

Patel emphasized a nonpartisan stance, stating, “This isn’t about politics—weaponizing law enforcement against ANY American is not only morally reprehensible but also endangers lives, including those of our officers.”

Swatting involves hoax calls designed to provoke armed police responses to unsuspecting victims’ homes, a prank that has proven deadly in past cases. “That will not be tolerated,” Patel declared. “We are fully committed to working with local law enforcement to crack down on these crimes.” He promised further updates as the investigation unfolds.

Yes -- my family and I were swatted. This is how it went down. Including the video I saw on my front door camera at 2:35am. How would you have reacted?

This has to stop! pic.twitter.com/eJ0aLguf3Q

— Joe Pags Pagliarulo (@JoeTalkShow) March 14, 2025

Talk Show host Joe Pags reported being swatted in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He said the perpetrator contacted Comal County sheriff’s deputies, falsely claiming a shooting and hostage crisis was unfolding at his residence. Footage from Pags’ security camera captured one of the many deputies who arrived, guns drawn, in response to the hoax. Reflecting on the ordeal, Pags remarked, "It’s as terrifying for the police as it is for me. They don’t want to stumble into a firefight at 2:30 a.m. in rural Comal County, Texas. Their goal is to protect people and be available for genuine emergencies."

Podcaster Nick Sortor reported Thursday that both his father and sister were swatted that day. “A dozen cops attempted to kick my dad’s door in at gunpoint,” Sortor wrote. “This is literal f---ing terrorism. And the FBI should treat it as such.” He alleged the swatter emailed his sister beforehand, labeling him a “Nazi,” and claimed the caller told police his father was murdering his “entire family, requiring them to intervene with deadly force.”

Similarly, conservative host Shawn Farash posted on X that he and his wife were swatted Thursday night, adding to the growing list of incidents under scrutiny.

Patel’s response signals a swift federal push to address this escalating threat as the FBI collaborates with local agencies to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.