Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administration appointees were the targets of “violent” threats Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Wednesday.
“These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting,'” Leavitt said. “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action.”
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Trump adviser Jason Miller arrive at the criminal trial of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trum at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, May 29, 2024.
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The office of Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the U.N., New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, said in a post on X that she was one of those targeted.
Rep. Elise Stefanik is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP
“This morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, her husband, and their three year old son were driving home to Saratoga County from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence. New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism,” the statement said, before going on to thank action from law enforcement officers.
The FBI said it was taking the threats “seriously.”
“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. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement,” the agency said in a statement.
Brooke Rollins, AFPI President & CEO, arrives to speak at the America First Policy Institute Agenda Summit in Washington, July 26, 2022.
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Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary, said she was the target of a threat Wednesday morning.
“This morning, we learned that a threat was issued against our home and family. Thanks to the swift efforts by the @fortworthpd, we were unharmed and quickly returned home. I want to express my deep gratitude to the law-enforcement professionals who did their utmost, in both speed and expertise, to protect us — as they protect our community every single day,” she said in a statement.
New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Congressman Lee Zeldin address supporters gathered for his election night event in New York City, Nov. 9, 2022.
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Lee Zeldin, the former congressman Trump has tapped to lead the EPA, said he also was targeted Wednesday.
“A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,’ he said in a statement. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are thankful for the swift actions taken by local officers to keep our family, neighbors, and local community secure.”
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Trump adviser Jason Miller arrive at the criminal trial of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trum at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, May 29, 2024.
Doug Mills/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, said he was also the target of a bomb threat.
This morning, a police officer arrived at our home—where our seven children were still sleeping,” Hegseth said on X. “The officer notified my wife and I that they had received a credible pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family. We are all safe and the threat has been cleared. We want to thank law enforcement for their professionalism and bravery.”
ABC News’ Jack Date contributed to this report.
