WASHINGTON — Swatting attacks and related false reports targeting political figures drew condemnation across party lines after former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his family was subjected to a hoax that led authorities to investigate a false child safety allegation and temporarily separate him from his children.
Buttigieg said an anonymous report to child protective services triggered a response involving Michigan authorities after the caller made false allegations that he posed a danger to his four-year-old twins. Michigan State Police said officers and child protective services investigated the report and determined it was false.
The incident has been described by Buttigieg and others as a form of “swatting,” a term commonly used for false emergency reports intended to provoke a law enforcement response against a targeted person. Traditional swatting cases often involve fabricated threats that prompt police deployments, including armed tactical responses. Officials have warned that such incidents can divert emergency resources and create risks for both authorities and targeted individuals.
Buttigieg, a prominent Democrat and former presidential candidate, said in a public statement that the false report caused him and his husband, Chasten, to be separated from their children for about 24 hours while authorities conducted interviews and reviewed the allegations. He said the report was politically motivated, though authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed a motive.
Michigan State Police said the report was anonymous and that investigators found no evidence supporting the allegations. The agency condemned false reports made to law enforcement and child welfare officials.
The case prompted criticism from figures across the political spectrum, with public officials and commentators condemning the use of false allegations against political opponents and their families. Supporters of Buttigieg said the incident reflected growing concerns about threats and harassment directed at public figures, while officials have continued to emphasize the need to distinguish between verified threats and unproven claims.
Swatting has affected politicians from both major parties in recent years, as well as judges, journalists and other high-profile individuals. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that false emergency calls can place victims and responding officers in dangerous situations.
Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the Buttigieg case. The investigation remains focused on identifying the person responsible for the false report, according to public statements from officials.
