This combination of file pictures shows (L-R, top to bottom) Elise Stefanik; John Ratcliffe; Lee Zeldin and Pete Hegseth. The FBI announced on Wednesday that Trump nominees Stefanik, Zeldin, Ratcliffe, and Hegseth have been subjected to threats, including bomb alerts.
Several members of Donald Trump's incoming US administration have been threatened, with bomb alerts among the threats, the FBI revealed on Wednesday. One nominee reported a pipe-bomb scare accompanied by a pro-Palestinian message. The President-elect's selections for UN ambassador and head of the Environmental Protection Agency, along with his former attorney general choice, stated they were among those targeted.
"The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners," the agency stated. Swatting involves summoning police urgently to a residence under false pretenses. Such hoax calls are prevalent in the United States and have frequently targeted senior political figures in recent years.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump's transition team, mentioned that several appointees and nominees "were subjected to violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them." Outgoing President Joe Biden "has been briefed" on these threats, according to the White House.
"The White House is in contact with federal law enforcement and the President-elect's team, and continues to monitor the situation closely," a spokesperson stated. "The president and the administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence." Biden has pledged a smooth and peaceful presidential transition, contrasting with Trump's incitement of a mob that attacked the US Capitol in January 2021.
Elise Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman chosen to be UN ambassador, disclosed that her residence in New York was threatened with a bomb. She stated that she, her husband, and young son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they learned of the threat.
Lee Zeldin, Trump's choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, reported his home was threatened with a pipe bomb accompanied by a "pro-Palestinian themed message." The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home at the time.
Matt Gaetz, who withdrew as Trump's attorney general pick due to opposition over sexual misconduct allegations, reposted Zeldin's message on X and commented: "Same." Scott Turner, the nominee for Housing Secretary and a retired NFL player, and Trump's pick for Labour Secretary, also reported bomb threats at their homes.
Fox News Digital cited unnamed sources stating that John Ratcliffe, Trump's CIA nominee, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, were additionally targeted. Ahead of his return to the White House in January, Trump has quickly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience.
The Republican, who seems poised to avoid trial on criminal charges related to overturning his 2020 election loss, was injured in the ear in July during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally. The shooter was killed in counter-fire. In September, authorities arrested another man accused of planning to shoot at Trump while he played golf in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Leavitt seemed to reference these incidents, stating that "with President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us."
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
