Sixth senator targeted in string of threats against Indiana lawmakers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A sixth Indiana senator has been targeted in a recent string of threats against lawmakers in the fallout of the Senate’s decision to delay redistricting talks to January.

The swatting calls against state lawmakers started Sunday after President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Indiana Senate and Republican senators for deciding to not meet and discuss redistricting in December. 

On Tuesday, state lawmakers met to ceremonially begin the 2026 legislative session and then adjourned until Jan. 5, prompting a furious response from Gov. Mike Braun, who said he is looking into options to compel lawmakers to show up and vote and also said he will support primary challengers to senators opposed to redrawing the maps.

In the past week,  Sens. Greg Goode, Dan Dernulc, Spencer Deery and Rick Niemeyer all have been subjected to swatting calls, while Sen. Kyle Walker said he has been subjected to threats of violence. 

Sen. Andy Zay (R – Huntington) was the most recent, the senator announcing in a statement Friday morning that his business in Huntington received a bomb threat sometime Thursday.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the threats or SWAT calls; Dernulc and Deery have said in statements that local authorities spotted the fake SWAT calls and contacted the senators to alert them of the threat.

Zay, like his Senate colleagues, condemned the attacks, stating, “This is no way to weigh in on any public issue.”

“I want to be clear: I strongly condemn these acts, which have no place in our political process,” he said. “While the intent behind these intimidation threats seems to be to instill fear in public officials, I can assure my constituents that I remain committed to serving our district, being your voice and continuing my work at the Statehouse.”

Indiana State Police on Thursday announced it had opened an investigation into the threats.

Statement from Sen. Andy Zay

Yesterday, my business in Huntington was targeted with a bomb threat, which is part of the recent troubling pattern against lawmakers in Indiana.  

It’s unfortunate that my family and I continue to be threatened for my work as a public servant and state senator. This is no way to weigh in on any public issue, even if you do not agree with my stance. My office is always open, and I encourage constituents with any concerns to reach out.   

I want to be clear: I strongly condemn these acts, which have no place in our political process. While the intent behind these intimidation threats seems to be to instill fear in public officials, I can assure my constituents that I remain committed to serving our district, being your voice and continuing my work at the Statehouse.   

I want to thank the Indiana State Police for investigating this string of violence and for their commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. I also want to extend my gratitude to our local law enforcement for their professionalism and vigilance. As always, they are working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety, and I am grateful for their efforts in protecting our community. I am hopeful that state and local law enforcement will be able to find those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.”   

News 8’s Garrett Bergquist contributed to this report.

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